1MDB scandal explained: a tale of Malaysia’s missing billions
The alleged misuse of the government fund has brought out tales of lavish spending, mass sackings and a long search for truth
Originally 1MDB – an abbreviation of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (which means limited) – was nothing more than a Malaysian state fund, set up in 2009 to promote development through foreign investment and partnerships. The then prime minister, Najib Razak, was its chairman.