KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian punk rock band Second Combat's lead singer Khai Aziz has been invited to perform at the United Nations World Drug Conference in the United States.
Khai or Mohammad Khairuddin Aziz will also receive an award by the Foundation For A Drug-Free World organisation in New York.
The award is for his drug-free messages in some of his songs picked up by renowned musician Michael Zentner, who has worked with American bands Guns N' Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Khai said he was approached by the NGO that told him Zentner had agreed to perform alongside him during the conference and will also feature Khai's songs on his upcoming album.
"Zentner has agreed to take some of my songs and re-record them in the US. They also want me to come to the US to perform alongside Zentner," he wrote in the post.
Khai is facing economic difficulties as his late parents have a long-standing electricity bill amounting to RM12,000 which he cannot afford to pay, and this has led to his electricity supply being cut.
Khai's brother lives with him in their parents' house and they try to make ends meet with their food catering business.
With the help of a friend, Khai met up with Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli who has shown interest in helping him.
"He can arrange the flight tickets and he wants to run school programmes with me after the award ceremony," Khai said.
Khai is the founder of local NGO Drug-Free Malaysia Association which has organised community outreach programmes and drug-free campaigns.