IIUM ends ties with academic behind controversial Roman-Malay shipbuilding claim

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 23 — The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has announced that controversial academic Solehah Yaacob is no longer affiliated with the institution, following her controversial claims. The university released a statement on April 27, confirming Solehah's termination from her role as a professor and her removal from any official capacity.

Solehah, who previously held an Arabic language and linguistics position at IIUM, was barred from using any titles or affiliations with the university in any form of communication, including promotional materials, media reports, and social media. The university's decision aims to maintain clarity regarding Solehah's status and safeguard the institution's reputation in academic representation.

Solehah gained public attention last year for her assertion that ancient Romans may have acquired shipbuilding skills from Malay seafarers. This claim led Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir to caution university academics against making claims outside their expertise. IIUM had previously affirmed that Solehah's perspective did not reflect the university's official stance.

Recently, Solehah proposed a theory suggesting that meteor activity in ancient times could account for Kedah's significant iron ore deposits, igniting further controversy around her theories.