Sultan Muhammad was welcomed by Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob, state mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad, state executive councillors and state government officers.

Some 2,000 Muslims attended the prayers, led by imam Abdul Bari Abdullah.

The prayers were followed by a “solat hajat” after the resumption of duties by the king, who had been on leave for two months, Bernama reported.

Earlier today, the New Straits Times reported that the Malay rulers had held a rare and unscheduled meeting on Wednesday night to discuss a “serious matter” but could not confirm if the king was also there.

This comes just a day after Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah denied receiving any information regarding speculation that the king would soon abdicate the throne as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Sultan Muhammad, who is the Kelantan ruler, was installed as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on April 24, 2017.

During the ruler’s leave, Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah carried out his duties.

Sultan Nazrin, who is deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, ended his duties as acting Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 31.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad later said he had no knowledge of any special meeting by the rulers and declined to comment on rumours on the position of the king.

When asked if the Malay rulers could decide on an acting Agong if the current Agong does not carry out his duties, Mahathir said that was up to the rulers.

He also said, as far as he knows, the king has returned to duty.