PAS has called for roundtable discussion on the rise in cases of rapes, zina or sex before marriage under Islamic law and the dumping of babies.

"We have invited political parties and non-governmental organisations for the discussion," PAS deputy youth chief Azman Shapawi Abdul Rani said. "These are very serious matters that society has a collective responsibility to curb."

Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters today, Azman said the problems were beyond political ideology and religion, which was why he hoped all leaders, even those from the Barisan Nasional, would take part in the roundtable.

"Everyone is welcome to participate. Even those who have not received the invitation yet," he said.

Queried about the causes for the rise in social ills, Azman said they could be due to "excessive celebrations" during New Year, Valentine's day and Merdeka.

'Excessive entertainment'

"If you look at it, we can see that there seems to be a rise in childbirths in the months of August and September. This could be because of the excessive celebrations," he said.

He added that the government should not highlight Valentine's Day celebration as is it not Islamic.

"The celebration is actually not Islamic... it is all right if you want to have a kenduri (feast), but it is not advisable to have celebrations that could lead to the committing of sins," Azman explained.

He also said "excessive entertainment and gatherings" encouraged relationships between males and females and these could lead to more social ills.

"For example, concerts that are held excessively, with no time limitation," he said.

The roundtable is due to take place on Sunday, Aug 22, at Anjung Rahmat in Gombak, with about 50 organisations expected to take part.