“For several years now, particularly after the Sheraton Move (in 2020), I have heard many young people expressing disappointment with our politics. Politics is now seen as being about power, about numbers,” he told Bernama. 

Elaborating, Kerk said the situation needed to be addressed, as politics should serve as a platform to champion ideas and policies that could bring change to society, rather than focusing solely on the competition for power. 

He said PH intends to use the Melaka state election as an opportunity to demonstrate that politics still holds value and is worth fighting for, particularly for the younger generation, who are constantly questioning the direction of the country’s politics. 

“We want to seize this opportunity to begin restoring a healthy political culture,” he said. 

Kerk said voting is not merely about deciding who would become elected representatives or which party would form the government, but also reflects the values and aspirations that society wishes to uphold. 

He said young people need to see that politics has a greater purpose, namely to champion issues that are close to their lives, interests and future. 

“Their votes are not just about choosing who becomes their elected representative or which party forms the government. Sometimes, their votes determine the values of the society,” he said. 

On PH’s decision to leave the Melaka state government in July after the state legislative assembly passed a motion to appoint seven state assemblymen, he said the move was made because the coalition disagreed with the motion and wished to uphold its principles. 

Kerk claimed that PH had previously held internal discussions with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh and State Assembly Speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum, but failed to reach a resolution to withdraw or defer the motion. 

He said PH believed that elected representatives who did not support the state government’s motion should not continue to enjoy the privileges of being part of the government, and therefore decided to announce its withdrawal from the state administration.

In the upcoming Melaka state election, Kerk is facing a four-cornered contest against Perikatan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Michael Gan Peng Lam, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia candidate Mohd Hamnaim Mohamad and Parti Bersama Malaysia candidate Muhammad Muhaimin Lau Abdullah. 

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day, with early voting taking place on Nov 10. 

For the latest news on the 16th Melaka state election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/. 

-- BERNAMA