The focus of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal is constantly shifting. Politicians and civil society groups across Malaysia expect extraordinary allegations of financial irregularities at the fund, established by Prime Minister Najib Razak, to be independently investigated and justice delivered.

But increasingly, public anger is being misdirected through the media lens and politicians obsessed with a battle royale between Najib and his nemesis Mahathir Mohamad, whose desire to see Najib ousted and his son Mukhriz promoted within government ranks has been well documented.

Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat.