Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has today called on young Malaysians to help him defend Putrajaya and hold on to political power.

In his opening speech at the launch of the ‘1 Million Youth Gathering’ in Putrajaya - held in conjunction with World Youth Day - Najib began by making references to the recent pro-democracy protests in several Middle East countries.

one million youth gathering in putrajaya on stage najib razak speaker "You see one million youths in (Egypt's) Tahrir Square, they had gathered there to bring the government down.

"But here, one million youth have gathered in Putrajaya to defend the government. Will you defend Putrajaya with me?" he asked the crowd, which responded with a resounding ‘yes’.

Najib then proceeded to shout "defend Putrajaya" three times.

Najib had previously issued the same ‘defend Putrajaya’ battlecry at last year's Umno general assembly.

“Even if our bodies are crushed and our lives lost, brothers and sisters, whatever happens, we must defend Putrajaya,” he was reported to have said.

‘We won't let them sell off Putrajaya’

Although Najib did not mention any political parties in his speech, he left no doubt as to who he was referring to.

one million youth gathering in putrajaya on stage crowd 2 "The opposition said that they want to lelong (auction) off Putrajaya. Will we allow them to sell Putrajaya off? No!" he exclaimed.

"We won't let them sell off Putrajaya because one million youth will be here to defend Putrajaya," he said to thunderous applause from the predominantly Malay crowd.

With the support from youth, the government’s transformation plans can then be fully rolled out, which Najib said is the only way their future could be assured.

"Here we are, the youth together with the government. If the youth back the government, our country will be peaceful.

"Then we will be able to implement all our developmental and transformation plans for the prosperity of this country," he said.

BN woos young Malaysians

Najib stressed that the country is on the cusp of transformation with his much-touted Economic Transformation Programme and the Government Transformation Programme.

one million youth gathering in putrajaya crowd "If the youth continue to support the government and carry the torch of transformation, come 2020, we shall be a developed country," he said.

Najib also announced a myriad of goodies for the youth - he has suggested to the Youth and Sports Ministry to build a youth park in Putrajaya, the formation of a Youth Parliament as well as an online portal for young Malaysians.

Politically, Malaysian youth are a sticky point for the ruling BN as most in the urban areas are seen to be more anti-establishment.

However, much effort has been poured into convincing the youth of BN's ability to reform and rejuvenate itself despite having been in power for 54 years.

Estimated to make up 12 million out of the country's 27 million population, young Malaysians also form the bulk of eligible voters.

Walkabout in Putrajaya

Najib has earlier spent about three hours checking on activities and programmes lined up for the 2011 Putrajaya Youth Gathering.

one million youth gathering in putrajaya on stage najib and koh tsu koon He was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek in the walkabout which began at 12.30pm.

Youths gathered for the event appeared elated to meet the prime minister and jostled for the opportunity to shake his hand.

Before going on the walkabout, Najib witnessed the finals of the Sasuke Malaysia competition and launched the 1Malaysia Training Programme.

Early tomorrow morning, Najib is scheduled join participants of the gathering in watching a telecast of the Champions League final between his favourite English Premier League team, Manchester United, against Barcelona, which will be played in London’s Wembley Stadium.