COMMENT Government-owned investment company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is playing a high-stakes game with the country's financial reputation.

1MDB's cash pile and a guarantee from a local billionaire suggest that a recent missed loan repayment is more negotiating tactic than a sign of financial distress.

Yet the lack of transparency at the indebted vehicle which counts Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as an adviser is hurting Malaysia.