Qizhala (齊扎拉) — who was governor of the western region from 2017 to 2021 — was dismissed over “serious violations of discipline,” a statement said, a common euphemism for corruption.

He had most recently served as a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the nation’s main political advisory body.

Photo: Reuters

The Chinese Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission said Qizhala had “betrayed” his original mission by accepting bribes and misusing public funds to host illegal banquets.

He also colluded with business owners to secure favorable contracts and engaged in “superstitious activities” over a long period, they said.

His family were also accused of using his official position for personal gain.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members are banned from participating in “superstitious activities” — including some religious practices that “erode” a cadre’s loyalties.

A court in Beijing last week handed a suspended death sentence to Wu Yingjie (吳英杰), the head of the CCP in the region from 2016 to 2021, for taking almost US$50 million of bribes.

Wu was expelled from the party in December last year.