PAN Expels West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini Following KPK Sting Operation

The National Mandate Party (PAN) has expelled West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini from its membership following his arrest in a sting operation conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

PAN Deputy Chairman Viva Yoga Mauladi stated that the party regrets and apologises for the actions of its cadre, emphasising that PAN supports the KPK in carrying out its duties. “PAN fully supports the KPK in conducting its legal process transparently, objectively, and accountably to achieve justice,” he said in a short message on Tuesday.

He stressed that PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan consistently reminds all party members to avoid corrupt practices. In addition to his expulsion, Lalu Ahmad Zaini’s position as Chairman of PAN’s West Nusa Tenggara Regional Executive Board has been taken over by the central board.

The KPK previously confirmed that the sting operation was related to an alleged conflict of interest in procurement. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told journalists that the case also involves suspected bribery related to projects and other gratuities within the West Lombok Regency government.