Kuala Lumpur, Aug 25 - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak Tuesday struck a conciliatory note on the impending first-ever caning of a Muslim woman, an ex-model who was found drinking in public. He said she could appeal against the punishment and the authorities might consider.

Responding to what The Star newspaper called 'international media frenzy', Razak said Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno still had the avenue to appeal against the Pahang state Syariah (Islamic) court's decision to cane her for consuming alcohol.

Razak said the authorities were 'always willing to consider', Star Online said.

He added Kartika should not merely resign herself to the fact that she had been punished.

'Actually there are still avenues for her to appeal and the authority concerned is sensitive and considerate in this matter,' he told reporters.

Kartika, 32, a mother of two, had earlier said she would not appeal against the verdict and would like to be caned in public, with media coverage and with her family members watching.

Since the date of the punishment was likely to fall during the holy Ramadan month, the authorities Monday deferred carrying out of the punishment.

Malaysian law governing the majority Muslim population forbids trading in or drinking alcohol. While men have been caught and punished, Kartika, married to a Singaporean, would be the first woman.