Human rights organisation Suaram today dismissed the government's intention to implement the national service programme as a "quick-fix solution" to better race relations.

In a press statement, Suaram said the stated aim of the national service training scheme to inculcate better relations, patriotism and national unity would unlikely succeed with a mere three-month programme.

Instead, the organisation said the government should address "real issues" such as the racial demarcation in politics, education and employment, other discriminatory practices and hardcore poverty.