JAKARTA- INDONESIA'S navy is expecting the global credit crunch to prompt a rise in piracy in Southeast Asia's busy Malacca Strait, a report said on Wednesday.

The economic turmoil means shipping in the strait between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore - one of the world's busiest - will be at extra risk, navy spokesman Sagom Tamboen was quoted as saying by news website Detikcom.

KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA'S Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Wednesday waded into a row over a ban on yoga for Muslims, saying they could practise the exercise as long as it had no spiritual elements.

Malaysia's highest Islamic body, the National Fatwa Council, on Saturday banned yoga for Muslims, saying it could erode their faith.

BANGKOK - THAI prime minister Somchai Wongsawat on Wednesday dismissed a call by the country's powerful army chief to hold fresh elections and resolve a months-long political crisis.

In a televised address to the nation, Mr Somchai said anti-government protesters who have occupied Bangkok's international airport and government offices were trying to subvert the democratic process.