THE caning sentence imposed on 32-year old part-time model Sari Kartika Dewi Shukarno will still be carried out despite the delay.

State Religious Affairs chairman Datuk Mohd Sahfri Abdul Aziz said the court remained firm with its decision and would not bow to pressure despite the ensuing public controversy.

Although there was pressure from some quarters for the sentencing to be meted out speedily and even for it to be carried out in public, he said the department would only do so once it was satisfied with all issues relating to caning.

He said the state government would adhere to the Islamic principles in exercising caution to avoid negative repercussions not only for the accused but also the religion.

Sahfri also said the department had carried out programmes to educate the public on caning through talks and even demonstrations on how it would be done.