One of Malaysia's highest Islamic bodies last month banned females from dressing or behaving like men and engaging in lesbian sex, saying it was forbidden by the religion.

Mr Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, spiritual leader of the Islamic party PAS, said such rulings should be respected by all in Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays but also home to large ethnic Chinese and Indian communities.

'Not only non-Muslims but also Muslims cannot protest against any fatwa', he was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.

'All fatwa are based on the Koran and Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Mohammed) and... to protest against them is like going against the teachings of Allah', he said.

'Who are we to go against Allah's commands, are we that great?'

At least two non-Muslim civil society groups have held street demonstrations in recent weeks to protest last month's National Fatwa Council ruling.

Although the Fatwa Council does not have jurisdiction in civil law, the ruling appears to be an attempt to push female homosexuality towards illegality.

A top Islamic cleric last month said the Fatwa Council was also planning to ban Muslims from the ancient practice of yoga if they engage in Hindu 'religious elements' during the exercise.

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, and many non-Muslims say they are concerned about growing 'Islamisation' of the multicultural nation. -- AFP