Social political issues in Malaysia and ideas for making the country a better place

The Seminal presents an independent media viewpoint outside of partisan politics and corporate control. Hailing from all over the globe, our writers bring you thoughtful commentary on current events. Join the discussion and take part!

Writing on politics, religion and whatever else is on Lee's mind.

A daily critique of the media, politics and breaking news. We also examine the shrinking role of traditional news outlets, such as newspapers and broadcast news. And we look each day at West's relationship with the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. The film industry is covered on weekends.

AP - Barack Obama celebrated "active faith" as an obligation of religious Americans and a chief agent of societal change while speaking Saturday to a nearly all-black roomful of churchgoers, but hoping to reach far beyond them.

AP - John McCain calls himself an underdog. That may be an understatement.

AP - Malia Obama told her parents that spending her 10th birthday helping her father campaign for the presidency far from home and "rocking out" with her family after takeout in a modest hotel room was the best she has ever had.

AP - Republican John McCain, who has made support for President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq the centerpiece of his presidential campaign, is getting from help from a veterans group that's launching a national TV ad campaign next week.