Malaysia's ethnic minority groups are banding together for a united front against what they fear is a steady encroachment of Syariah or Islamic law into their lives.

Unsettled by the decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court last month that it has no jurisdiction in Islamic matters and that a non-Muslim has no remedy under common law, the minorities, led by moderate leaders, are putting up a surprisingly stiff protest.

Observers say the resistance has placed the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in a delicate position because it would need to balance this with competing demands from the majority Muslims.