Striving for equality in a diverse world

KUALA LUMPUR: It is perhaps imprudent to heap too much praise on any politician nowadays. Not even on those who clinched the Nobel Peace Prize. Barack Obama was awarded the coveted prize early in his presidency. Yet, under his watch, America continued to be embroiled in many wars around the world. The prime minister of Ethiopia was also an awardee for having concluded a peace settlement with neighboring Eritrea. Yet, barely a few months later, he launched attacks on rebel forces within the country, ironically in collaboration with Eritrea; thus precipitating another round of civil war.

That is perhaps why, given a choice, I always prefer to write of prominent personalities posthumously such that some degree of finality could perhaps be proffered. But then again, even the historical legacy of a politician can often be controversial and does not lend itself to authoritative categorization.