Paya Jaras lawmaker Khairuddin Othman, who was dropped from the Selangor PAS committee recently, admitted to having a “mesra" (friendly) relationship with the state government.

"I don't deny I am 'mesra' (close to) the Selangor government because we (PAS) are part of the executive.

"I am of the view that the Selangor government should be retained. If not, we are handing Selangor to BN if there are three-cornered fights in the next general election.

"Is this not the mandate given to us in 2008 and 2013? In fact, the Selangor menteri besar and our exco members have proven that our government has integrity compared to other states," he told Sinar Harian.

Khairuddin said his removal from the committee was made official "two months" ago.

"I find it strange that the matter is being raised now. I am still with PAS.

"The question of whether my services are still needed should be decided by the Selangor PAS leadership," he added.

Khairuddin, a first-time lawmaker, was once Selangor PAS secretary.

PAS won 15 seats in the Selangor legislative assembly in 2013, but two assemblypersons defected to splinter party Amanah.

The party has three seats in the 10-member state cabinet, led by PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

Officially, PAS has cut ties with PKR, but both parties continue to cooperate in Selangor on the grounds that they were given the mandate to govern.

However, PAS has repeatedly stated that they would field candidates against both Pakatan Harapan and BN in Selangor during the next general election.