The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V today attended Friday prayers at Masjid Al Sultan Ismail Petra in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.

Sultan Muhammad V was welcomed upon arrival by Kelantan menteri besar Ahmad Yakob, state mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad, state executive councillors and state government officers.

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

After the prayers, the worshippers attended a ‘solat hajat’ for the resumption of duties of Sultan Muhammad V, who had been on leave for two months.

On Jan 3, the state deputy menteri besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah had dismissed speculations that the ruler would abdicate.

However, it was reported today that a group of Malay rulers met in Kuala Lumpur last night amid speculations raised over the status of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Later, when asked if Sultan Muhammad V has resumed his duties, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad simply said "as far as I know".

- Bernama