translation The world may have moved into a new era of technological and scientific advancements, but in Malaysia, there is one practice from our past that still commands a strong following.

It is not only the Malays who have their spells and shamans. Every other race in this country has their own. And these shamans play a major role in the lives of certain Malaysians.

Malaysia has a long list of bomohs - those who specialise in rendering services to politicians, artistes, soccer players, gamblers, lovers and so forth.

But the most influential of the lot is the 'bomoh politik'.

Many politicians, of all races, believe that these shamans have the power to shape, alter and advance their careers. These bomohs essentially become their 'unofficial' advisers.

The relationship between bomohs and politicians is not new. It is a phenomenon long in existence. The high consultation fees, according to those who are familiar with this practice, is really a small matter.

Malaysiakini recently met with Awang Mohd Yahya, a famous 'bomoh politik'.

The 50-year-old shaman claimed that his services were often sought by politicians when the Umno elections or general elections come knocking.

"Politicians with high ambitions want to win. They want people to listen to what they say and hope that with the help of bomohs, they will be chosen," he said.

According to him, in the run-up to the Umno elections in 2004, several candidates vying for top posts in the party had sought his help.

"Not only Umno and Umno Youth leaders come looking for me but also Puteri Umno leaders," he said.

However, he declined to reveal names.

Awang said even leaders from opposition PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), as well as non-Malays, seek his services.

According to him, he helped politicians who are in trouble, such as those who have lost support or embroiled in party internal strife.

"Not all (bomohs) can do this - it's only for those who are experienced and have the expertise," he said.

Gullible politicians

Awang, who has been a bomoh for 30 years, claimed to have traveled all over the country to help politicians in need.

Recently, he said he was called by an Umno politician in Kelantan to solve a problem that occurred in one of the party's divisions there.

Awang also expressed regret that there were those who pretended to be bomohs and preyed on gullible politicians.

When this happens, he said, people no longer have any faith in bomohs and consider them as cheats.

In view of this, he urged politicians to be cautious when engaging the services of a bomoh, especially those who charge astronomical and ludicrous payments.

"People know that when politicians are about to contest in an election, they are willing to throw money around and this is when fake bomohs take advantage of them," he said.

Another bomoh, Abdul Rahman Ishak, said he normally charges politicians between RM1,000 and RM10,000 for his services.

The most common request, he said, was to ensure victory for a particular politician.

But he said bomohs can only play a role in influencing events to a certain extent. The rest is "decided by God".

Click on the link for the orginal article .

Part 2: Politicians seek foreign supernatural boost

Part 3:

Politicians: Yes, we use bomohs!