FIXED IT!
I deleted the mala.ini file and forced MaLa to do its original configration over again with the controls.ini in place beforehand. After I did this, it works.
Originally, I installed and configured MaLa without a controls.ini there. I then added the control.ini and set the path in the options after the fact. Not sure if it was a bug or a fluke, but it's working now.
Thanks!