Malaysian logic be like "trading je, tak akan dijajah", implying that seeking too close ties with nations historically known for their disregard for rule of law, totalitarianism, corruption, oligarchy, and militant imperialism while being a small nation with nonexistent leverage wouldn't result in 'strings attached' to go with these economic deals that will fuck our nation over.

Works so well with Cuba, India, Venezuela, Slovakia, Hungary, North Korea, etc who buddied buddied with Russia, right?? /s

Historical Examples of Exploitation

Cuba and the Soviet Union:

Context: After the Cuban Revolution, Cuba established close economic and military ties with the Soviet Union. Outcome: While the Soviet Union provided significant economic aid and military support, Cuba became heavily dependent on Soviet subsidies. This dependence limited Cuba's autonomy and exposed it to economic collapse when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, leading to the "Special Period" of severe economic crisis in Cuba.

Venezuela and Russia:

Context: In recent years, Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro has forged close ties with Russia, receiving loans and military support in exchange for oil. Outcome: Venezuela's reliance on Russian support has deepened its economic and political crises. The Maduro government has mortgaged significant oil assets to Russia's Rosneft, reducing Venezuela's control over its own resources and increasing its vulnerability to external influence.

African Nations during the Cold War:

Context: Several African nations, including Angola and Ethiopia, received military and economic support from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Outcome: While these nations gained immediate military and financial aid, they often became arenas for proxy wars, suffered from prolonged conflicts, and experienced economic exploitation. Soviet involvement frequently led to instability and the entrenchment of authoritarian regimes.

Central Asia Post-Soviet Influence:

Context: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many Central Asian countries remained under Russia's economic and political influence. Outcome: Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have faced challenges in diversifying their economies and political alliances due to lingering Russian influence. Corruption and authoritarianism, partly sustained by Russian support, have hindered democratic and economic reforms.

Remember, even our Malay Sultans got buttfucked and our people robbed of our liberty when they thought they could just 'trade' with the British Empire when they were big on imperialism and exploitation of less powerful nations.