BANGI, March 12 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today made an informal visit to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) here and spent about 45 minutes mingling with about 200 of its staff and students.

He arrived at the university's foyer at 12.40pm and interacted with academicians, administrative staff and students before performing the Friday prayers at the university's mosque.

In a brief address, Najib said: "My coming here is not a formal visit but more to interact with UKM's staff and students because it will be difficult for me to do this out of the campus."

After the prayers, Najib joined UKM students for lunch at the university's Eco-Business Terrace.

Mustakim Murad, a student at the university's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said he was surprised by the visit of the Prime Minister.

"Despite his busy shedule, he was able drop by to spend time with us. Indirectly it shows how much he supports us, which we will reciprocate," he said.

Siti Hajar Ishak, a student at the university's Science dan Technology Faculty, was of the opinion that such a visit made the students proud because the approach to get close students was a very wise move as it was the younger generation that would inherit the nation in future.

"I hope there will be more such visits as it gives us a chance to voice our concerns directly to the prime minister," she said.

Her views were shared by UKM Students Association's vice president II N.Harikrishnan who said he also hoped this fine gesture by the prime minister would be continued in future.

Chew Oan Hau, an committee member in the association, said the visit showed Najib was a "people's leader".

Before today's visit to UKM, Najib had made similar visits to Universiti Teknologi Mara in Shah Alam and the International Islamic Universiti, Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.