Moshin Virk.
Camera IconMoshin Virk. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

East Cannington: experience with discrimination fuels Moshin Virk’s tilt at politics

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

MOSHIN Virk started his life in Australia eight years ago as an MBS student at UWA.

Now living in East Cannington, Mr Virk said he was inspired to run as an independent candidate in the State Election after experiencing racial discrimination.

“In 2014 my life was changed, I went through racial harassment after a former colleague called me a terrorist,” he said.

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“I started my life as an immigrant in Australia, but I am now an Australian citizen; when this happened I took an oath to do more for the community.”

After taking his former employer to court and the equal opportunity commission Mr Virk said he felt empowered to turn his experiences into a leadership opportunity.

“I stood up for my rights and I wanted to do more, you don’t need a title to be a leader but that day it happened for me and decided I wanted to do a lot for the community,” he said.

Mr Virk said as an independent candidate for Cannington he would work for the grassroots population with a focus on seniors’ rights, tackling unemployment, reducing racial harassment and disbanding the political party construct.

“Many people complain about political donations, wanting more political accountability is very popular in the community,” he said.

“When it comes to the money there is a political mafia and we need to understand that from a grass roots level.”

Mr Virk expected his independence to benefit his work in the legislative assembly.

“I believe when you are independent you are like a tiger, with more power and communicate with whoever you want,” he said.

“When you are in a state seat you need to make sure your constituents aren’t suffering and there is a balance between their rights and infrastructure.”

Crucially, Mr Virk committed to being present in the electorate and promised to listen.

“You must vote to make sure you are heard, and you must make your needs heard and I will hear them,” he said.

“People I speak with say they don’t see politicians after they’ve been elected and aren’t at a grass roots level when they are needed and that’s why I am here.”