It is disheartening that the deadly tsunami has swept Sumatra and caused much damage to the highly religious Indonesian province of Aceh, and brought sufferings to millions across Asia.

The only good thing as a result of such an unfortunate disaster, is the show of affection, love and support by millions of others across the globe. These kind souls include Americans, Europeans, Australians, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese, etc.

That so many people, of different colours and religions, are willing to help the people of Aceh, who are largely Muslims, shows that there is still some hope for global unity.

In Britain, school children are donating generously to tsunami funds. In Hong Kong, at least 10 pop stars have already organised charity concerts to help rake in donations for tsunami affected countries. Back home in Malaysia, millions have already been collected in aid of tsunami victims.

I really salute those westerners who have flown immediately to those affected countries without giving second thought to their own safety, such as risking another disaster or deadly diseases. This is in spite of being portrayed as "big bullies" or "racists" or "invaders" by some people in this part of the world.

Those Hong Kong pop stars who have chipped in to help the tsunami victims, should also be commended. Hong Kongers, however materialistic or self-centred they appear to be, are far more generous compared to us when it comes to donating to the unfortunate from all over the world. At least, they are not selective in providing help.

Yes, this is not the time for blaming each other. But it's time for us to think whether we should continue to receive help from others if we ourselves are not willing to help others in their time of need.