New Year's Eve of 2004 was saddened by the disastrous tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The focus of the world has been shifted to the victims who have to pass-over the saddest time in their lives. Religious leaders across the world, while anticipating the hope of the New Year, cannot neglect the present reality of hardship.

In Malaysia, even though the major religion is Islam, religious leaders of all faiths have held a mass multi-faith memorial service on Friday to be united in prayer for victims of the Asian tsunamis.

Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society President Sarath Surendre said, "We want Malaysians from all walks of faith to participate in the memorial service. We want to show that people from different faiths can unite and pray for the tsunami victims."

More than 1,000 Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians have attended the service organised by a Buddhist group at a temple in a Kuala Lumpur suburb. The ceremony included reflections by representatives of the different religions, one-minute’s silence to mourn the victims followed by lighting of 11 candles representing the affected countries, and inspirational songs.

Lastly, the event ended with a service to seek blessings for the New Year.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said, "We will pray that the country will not face such a problem again."

Additionally, the Malaysian Government replaced all entertainment programmes on New Year’s Eve with a call for prayers. In Thailand, where many tourists are among the thousands who died, and in Singapore, celebrations were also scaled down.

Even in Australia, a neighbouring country of the South East Asia region, church leader says the start of 2005 will be a time of spiritual reflection for most people in the wake of the tsunami disaster.

The Catholic Archbishop of Western Australia, Barry Hickey, explained that the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis were an act of nature, beyond anyone’s control and he believes people will find some comfort by turning to God.

"I hope that many people at this New Year will pray for those who have lost loved ones, pray for peace for those who have died and turn to God and place their lives under God for the protection and the love that they need," Archbishop Hickey said.