The prime minister was recently quoted saying that this was "not the time for us to be happy ushering in the New Year We need to pray to God to give the victims strength to endure the hardship they are going through".

He is right in that we should not be celebrating, but it was also an opportunity lost when he requested that others hold off concerts and festivities.

On the contrary, it would have been a good move to ask the concert organisers to use their events to raise funds and awareness for the victims of the recent quake and tsunami. Concerts such as Band-Aid and Live-Aid in the 80s were very successful models in showing the world how thousands, if not millions, can be mobilised to raise relief funds.

Moreover, with a large group of people gathered together, it won't be difficult to hold meaningful vigils and prayers for those suffering and less fortunate.

I have not attended such large-scale concerts since my youth, but should there be one to help raise funds, it would not be difficult to tempt me to bring the whole family and friends. It may be too late for New Year's Eve, but it's never too late for those suffering.

To our suffering friends, we won't just pray for you, we will help you.