In 1993, the disappearance of a Malaysian politician led police to one of the country’s most shocking murder cases. At its centre was Mona Fandey—a former pop singer turned bomoh whose extravagant lifestyle, promises of wealth and power, and carefully crafted image attracted followers from across Malaysia.

But Mona’s story isn’t just about superstition or ritual. It’s about influence.

In this episode of Missing Context, we revisit the murder of Mazlan Idris and look beyond the sensational headlines to ask a different question: How did an educated, internationally travelled public official come to believe that Mona Fandey could change his political fortunes? What made her so persuasive? 

This episode explores one of Malaysia’s most infamous crimes through the people at its centre—not just what happened, but why it happened.