This includes Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who said the public punishment paints Islam in a bad light.

Mohd Nor Hamzah, who is state human capital, missionary work and information committee chairman, said the state government was ready to brief critics.

“The menteri besar can meet him (Mahathir) anytime.

“In fact, the menteri besar had explained in his previous press statements that it was done according to Islamic laws,” he said, referring to Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

The two women, aged 22 and 32, were caned six times by the Kuala Terengganu Shariah High Court on Monday before a judge in an open court. About 100 people witnessed the caning.

Civil rights groups, opposition politicians such as Khairy Jamaluddin and the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) have also criticised the move to cane both women publicly.

Met after attending a seminar on cooperatives here today, Nor defended the public caning, saying it was meant to serve as a deterrent to others and for both women to repent.

“They were given 14 days to appeal against the caning but they did not do so. We take it that they regret their action and want to repent.

“Besides that, the caning was done inside the court and wasn’t broadcast ‘live’ to the outside world,” he said, adding the locals there had no issue with the public caning.

Nor said the Terengganu government did not interfere in stopping the caning as that was not within its powers.

“This comes under the powers of the shariah court. If we interfere, it may become chaotic,” he added.

When asked if the state government had reached out to both women after Monday’s caning, Nor said it wanted to respect their privacy and hoped they can continue on with their lives.