The two-day outdoor event, expected to attract some 15,000 youths, is even scheduled to be officiated by Umno Youth deputy chief Datuk Razali Ibrahim on Saturday night.
Perkasa Youth chief Arman Azha Abu Haniffah has however denied that the event was a political function funded by the ruling party or aimed at helping Barisan Nasional woo youth support.
He told The Malaysian Insider today that the government was merely the venue sponsor and Razali, the Youth and Sports deputy minister, had only agreed to officiate the function as it was a non-political event for youths.
“It is not funded by any political party. Everything else was through individual and corporate sponsorship. Most were sponsorships in kind and not in cash.
“Also, those who are attending are coming here out of their own willingness. We are not paying them to attend or even providing them with bus or petrol allowances,” he said.
Arman also denied that the event was a part of Perkasa’s early preparation to help BN in the coming general election.
“These individuals who are coming are not affiliated to any political organisations or non-governmental organisations. They are here to enjoy the event.
“And our purpose is to educate them, convince them that they are a part of a thriving democracy and that their vote, whether for the opposition or for BN, matters,” he said.
Arman insisted that the event would be a “Malaysian-ised” version of the infamous Woodstock Festivals of the US, which has often been associated with bohemianism or “free love” and the 1960s hippie culture of “sex, drugs and rock and roll”.
The gathering, he added, was not meant to turn into a wild and unruly party for youths but was aimed at encouraging healthy creativity and free expression.
“It is not about sex, drugs and rock and roll. There will be no sex, drugs or alcohol allowed into the venue.
“We just want them to feel that they have a place among us all and they are not ignored or shunned from society.
“At the same time, we will use the opportunity to educate them about our local politics, convince them of their rights and roles as Malaysian citizens and instil a sense of patriotism,” he stressed.
Arman said Perkasa hoped to register between 10,000 and 15,000 youths as voters during the two-day event over the weekend.
Called “Perhimpunan Wira Negara Revolusi 1 Malaysia” (1 Malaysia revolution national heroes gathering), the event will feature over 30 underground indie band performances and a host of extreme sports events like drag-racing, motorcycle skill riding and a Muay Thai kickboxing competition.
It will also feature car shows, BMX-biking demonstrations and a lucky draw.
A total of 980 registered motorsports clubs nationwide are said to be backing the event, which is also said to be supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry.
It will kick off from 10am on Saturday at the National Stadum carpark in Bukit Jalil and will go on until Sunday evening.
Arman said that thousands of youths from outside Kuala Lumpur are expected to arrive via convoys to the venue tomorrow where they will be provided camping grounds and tents to stay for the weekend.
“Our leaders will mingle with these youths and teach them the importance of understanding their roles and duties as voters,” he said.
He added that through his past interactions with the youths, many had felt that both the Pakatan Rakyat and BN governments had ignored their needs or listened to them.
“If you look at the schools, out of the thousands, only a handful become student leaders. But do we want to reject those who do not make it? We should be with them.
“What is wrong with encouraging creativity? In the US, youths who become musicians are given respect and there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
Arman added that many such youths were often misconstrued as delinquents and social outcasts and were usually ignored.
“We talk about them like they are socially inept... they are mat rempits, pregnant teenagers, rockers, hip-hoppers... why can’t we engage with them, get closer to them and understand them?” he said.
Woodstock was originally organised in Bethel, New York on August 15, 1969 and is regarded as one of the most iconic events in popular culture.
