Solehah Yaacob no longer with IIUM after Roman-Malay shipbuilding claim

Dr Solehah Yaacob's tenure at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) concluded on April 27, marking the end of her association with the institution following a series of controversial assertions, according to a clarification from the university's Office for Communication, Advocacy and Promotion for Change (OCAP).

Solehah had previously sparked controversy with her claims that ancient Malays possessed the ability to fly, taught the Chinese flying kung fu, and that the Romans had learned shipbuilding techniques from the Malays. Her theories, which she defended as research hypotheses based on classical Arabic sources, led to an internal inquiry panel being established by IIUM to examine the claims.

In light of these controversies, the university issued a statement emphasizing that Solehah no longer holds a professorship or any other position within IIUM, and her title or position should not be used in any promotional materials, media reports, publications, advertisements, social media content, publicity materials, or other forms of dissemination. The university's statement aimed to maintain the integrity and academic standing of the institution by preventing any misunderstanding.