The last of the Kadazandusun's Bobohizan (shamans)

In Sabah, the bobohizan, or high priestess, braves the tides of modernity to bring changes into the lives of those around them.

The sceptics say it’s a load of superstitious nonsense; you’d have to be a certified nut to believe it. However, that has never discouraged some of Asia’s richest and most powerful from dabbling in the occult.

Ancient rituals have been known to change the world, from the way governments are run, to the personal decisions that are made. Some time back, exiled Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s cousin and former supreme commander of the armed forces, General Chaisit Shinawatra, was rumoured to have visited a medium.

His reason: to put the evil eye on Thaksin’s opponents.

According to the Bangkok Post, this rite was just the latest in a series of black magic war being waged by both the pro- and anti-Thaksin camps to topple each other.

On the other end of the spectrum, spiritualists and clairvoyants play a more benign role in Mumbai, India. As the polls draw nearer, they remain close at hand should any political candidate need their advice after a long, hard day of campaigning.

Malaysian politicians and celebrities aren’t oblivious to the wonders of the occult either. Many are known to visit bomohs with various requests to increase their power, wealth and beauty.

The chosen one

Enter 84-year-old Losimin Majanil, Malaysia’s very own “living heritage” — a term given to those recognised by the government as celebrated experts in their field. She isn’t a scientist, nor is she a technical specialist of any kind. In fact, her occupation defies conventional logic.

Losimin is a shaman — one of the few surviving ones from Kampung Limbanak in Penampang, Sabah.

“My grandmother used to make me walk with her to Losimin’s house,” says Agusta Lojiwin about her aunt.

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