Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/04/05

What Has Been the Reaction to Winnie’s Death in the Asia Pacific Region?

Following the passing of struggle icon Winnie Madikizela Mandela, tributes have been pouring in from across the globe.
Radio Islam’s Asia Pacific analyst Kiru Naidoo says the news of the stalwarts passing dominated headlines in most Asian countries.

“There’s been a tremendous response right across the region, not only did it make headlines, but also ordinary citizens had come out to express their grief in countries like India, spontaneous reaction of people coming out expressing how taken a back they this great icon of the South African struggle has passed on.”

Is Bangladesh Moving Towards Authoritarian Rule?

Since the controversial imprisonment of Bangladesh’s opposition leader and two-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia last month, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to reject allegations of turning into an authoritarian regime.

Naidoo says Bangladesh is currently going through a very difficult political climate.

“The fear among the opposition is that the way she’s moving in on opposition, leaders in particular is worrying.”

Sri Lanka’s Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister.

PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has defeated a no-confidence motion in the parliament with a 46 vote majority after a 12-hour debate.

Naidoo says the Prime Minister is holding on to a very shaky coalition.

“The motion of no confidence was initiated by the joint opposition led by the former President. The core of the issue here surrounds the current PM having appointed a Singaporean to the central bank.”

Catch the Asia Pacific Report Live On Radio Islam International Every Thursday Morning at 6:20.