Thu, May 3, 2007 -- 6:30 PM

Pacific Time 2007-05-03
Free Speech in Malaysia -- In Malaysia, a Muslim country with a volatile history of race relations between the Malay and ethnic Chinese and Indians, speech and the media are controlled by the government in the name of keeping harmony and peace. While some Malaysians accept that policy, many young people find it stifling. One ex-pat based in California is trying to help.

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Host: K. Oanh Ha

Asian Americans Join the Immigration Debate
Across the U.S., hundreds of thousands rallied this week in the second annual May Day protests for immigration reform. The vast majority of demonstrators were Latino. But meanwhile, busloads of Asian Americans converged on Capitol Hill to make the case for an overhaul of immigration policy.

Thailand Considers a New Constitution ... and a State Religion
In Bangkok, monks in saffron robes marched and rode on elephants to the Thai parliament to call on legislators to make Buddhism the national religion. Thailand is rewriting its constitution to replace the one discarded when the army seized power last year. This would be Thailand's 18th constitution since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. But not all Thais think declaring a state religion is a good idea.

Music Bridge #1
"Selemaw" by Rangsan Chaiya, from "The Journey of Basket" (Rangsan Chaiya)

Free Speech in Malaysia
In Malaysia, a Muslim country with a volatile history of race relations between the Malay and ethnic Chinese and Indians, speech and the media are controlled by the government in the name of keeping harmony and peace. While some Malaysians accept that policy, many young people find it stifling. One ex-pat based in California is trying to help.

Music Bridge #2
"Cajon Stomp/Dickie's Dream" by Richard Chon, from "Li'L World" (Eastlight)

Bullrider Lives His Rodeo Dreams
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It's also the beginning of the rodeo season. Those two seemingly unrelated happenings converge in one man: Billy Soksoda. This Southeast Asian refugee works construction most of the year, but during rodeo season, he's all about bullriding.

Commentary: A Paper Lantern Full of Hot Air
Special activities are taking place throughout the United States for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. But not everyone is fond of the attention lavished on the community.

End Music
"Anitos" by Susie Ibarra, from "Folklorico" (Tzadik)