"We (Islamist MPs) will not obey the ruler if there is an Islamic violation. I cannot abide by a decision that is against Islam," outspoken US-educated deputy Mubarak al-Duweileh said.

Shiite Muslim cleric and MP Hussein al-Qallaf said earlier that deputies should approve the decree of the emir, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, on the emancipation of women.

MPs are to vote Tuesday on a draft law granting Kuwaiti women full political rights, a week after a heated debate in which they rejected a nearly identical decree issued by the emir.

Sunni Islamists have attacked the decision to allow women to vote and run as candidates in the next planned elections in 2003, dubbing any such move a "sinful act."

But liberals who support women's rights also voted against the decree, arguing it was unconstitutional because it lacked urgency when issued by the emir in May after his dissolution of parliament.

The 50-seat parliament is dominated by the opposition, with liberals holding 16 seats and Islamists 20. Sunni Islamists are opposed to the emancipation of women, but liberals and Shiite Muslims support it.

Pro-government MPs hold the other 14 seats.

The 16-member Cabinet, which includes one MP, also has the right to vote in Kuwait's parliament, giving a total number of 65 votes and throwing the balance in favor of women's emancipation.