Prime Minister Najib Razak said today that he would be visiting all the states from March.     

He said his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin would also do the same.     

"This can be considered a programme of visits to the states and I will start with Sarawak in March," he said after attending a gathering with the residents of Felda Jengka 25, Temerloh.     

Asked whether it signified that the general election would be held next year, Najib said: "Why must everything be connected to the general election? It can be held anytime."     

He was earlier asked to comment on the statement by Umno vice-president  Hishammuddin Hussein yesterday that the prime minister and Muhyiddin  would be visiting the states from this Tuesday to get close to the people, and the series of visits was expected to end in September.     

Najib replied: "At the last Umno general assembly, I had promised to do this and in fact, I had already started and visited many places to meet the people."     

Umno mock party election      

Meanwhile Umno will hold a mock election at the branch and divisional levels this year as part of its preparation to ensure the smooth running of the election process in accordance with amendments to the party's constitution in 2009.     

Its vice-president Hishammuddin said although the actual date of the party's election had yet to be set, preparations should be made to ensure that its implementation would not cause any hitch.     

He said Umno had set up a special committee to monitor the mock election at the branch and divisional delegates meetings.     

Speaking to reporters after simultaneously opening delegates' meetings of Umno branches in Perak here today, he said the formation of the committee was endorsed by the party's supreme council.     

He added more Umno leaders were engaging the younger generation through social networking like Facebook and Twitter.     

- Bernama