From expats I've known who've lived for 2-6 year periods--legally--generally comments on overall experience leans towards the positive, but mixed reviews on details if you press. Biggest problem with Malaysia is probably well, the Malays. (runs for cover...) Perhaps your future headaches or lack thereof will depend on what you will be doing there: studying? running a self-employed internet-based venture? running a business with local employees? dealing regularly with the government bureaucracy? For quality-of-life issues, KL seems to get thumbs-up, and Penang and Kuching (Sarawak) also.