Hi, I’m Kerk Chee Yee, and I’m contesting for DUN Ayer Keroh, Melaka in this election.
Many looked at me with disbelief when they learnt that someone my age (born in the 90s) is contesting. In the past, we did not have a lot of young people who were interested in politics, let alone getting involved directly by joining political parties and standing for elections.
But contributing to our home is everyone’s responsibility. I consider Melaka my home as I was born and raised here. There are many great politicians and individuals working day and night to make our country a better place, so why shouldn’t young people step forward and be part of the effort, starting from our home here?
In my 3rd year working as an investment banker, I asked my late father, Kerk Kim Hock, if I could volunteer in DAP’s party work during my free time. Back then, I was expecting the general election to be called in July 2017, which was 4 months away. My father did not like the idea of me going through hardships that he himself had experienced. It took him a while before he agreed to let me participate as a volunteer, and eventually a full time staff. I was subsequently appointed as DAP Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang’s political secretary. Since then, I have dedicated myself to bringing positive change to Malaysia.
Now, we are mere days away from polling (May 9th, 2018). Ayer Keroh was never a safe seat for the opposition; it was only won by DAP for the first time in 2008 and the recent redelineation has lowered my chances of winning. To say that I’m not worried would be lying, but this is just part of the barrier that all of Pakatan Harapan has to break through before we can make a real difference.
If I can be elected as the state assemblyman for DUN Ayer Keroh, the well-being of all citizens living in Ayer Keroh will become my responsibility. However, it is not enough to only work and speak for people living in my constituency. As state assemblymen, either in the government or opposition, we can do so much more. We can enact laws, we can bring voices of the voiceless to the Dewan Undangan Negeri, we can effect changes to the state as a whole. I hope that the rakyat of Melaka will grant us the mandate to bring change to Melaka as a Pakatan Harapan state government.
It’s a do or die battle: Malaysians vs. a regime created by the few, for the few. Let’s all do our part and be the change for a better Malaysia.
Fast Facts about Kerk Chee Yee:
Candidate for Ayer Keroh DUN (N-16) in GE14
Political Secretary to DAP Parliamentary Leader YB Lim Kit Siang
25 yo, born and raised in Melaka
Worked as an investment banker in Kuala Lumpur for 3 years before joining DAP full-time in June 2017
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne (Accounting and Finance)
Was an active member of Malaysian associations in University of Melbourne
Loves playing guitar and enjoys sports