He was a problem though, and I don't see how people can't see it from a design perspective. Malzahar's laning is one of the worst experiences most people had to deal with Mobile assassin or mage. You have to deal with Waveclear that gives him back mana, as you're constantly pushed into turret, forcing you to spend your mana, which early game isn't as replenishable, if you want to push back.
His Ult stopped ANY aggression unless you outranged him completely like Xerath. Be it Zyra, Annie, or Zed, there was no opportune time to get him if you were facing a good Malzahar. The fact that his commonly built items were health-AP, as Roa, Rylais, and Liandries, means he certainly has enough time and ability to survive some burst if it means getting to you.
The very nature of Malazhar's kit I would not consider good design. There is zero room for outplay, and can be used to create very onesided uninteractive lanes that always end in your favor, since your mana sustain gives you the edge for staying in lane. You have an ability that is only useful if you use it with your Ult, his pool. His Ult removes any outplay that exists from dodging Q, so if he get's within range, you're fucked whoever you are.
And I can't take you seriously with that Viegar comment. Viegar's Cage was reworked because he'd walk up and insta-stun you from range, no matter who you were. If anything, Viegar's better against Lee now due to his ability to stop dashes.
