{
  "id": 2931411,
  "title": "Solehah to challenge IIUM dismissal in Industrial Court",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/solehah-to-challenge-iium-dismissal-in-industrial-court",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T03:01:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1517564/solehah-challenge-iium-dismissal-industrial-court"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Academic Dr Solehah Yaacob plans to contest the International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) termination of her contract by filing a complaint in the Industrial Court. Solehah informed FMT that she refused the university's six-month salary compensation offer following her swift dismissal. She highlighted that she was let go within 24 hours without any chance to appeal the decision. IIUM confirmed Solehah's termination on April 27, stating that she no longer held her professor position or any association with the university. The university further clarified that Solehah was barred from using any titles, positions or official connections to IIUM, including in social media posts, press releases or any other forms of dissemination. Dr Yaacob accused IIUM of unprofessional behavior, especially considering she received the Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) award from the Higher Education Ministry just a day before her termination. MyRA is a research evaluation framework used nationwide. Solehah gained public attention due to her controversial views, including a claim that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding skills from individuals in the Malay Archipelago. IIUM defended its decision by stating it aimed to prevent any confusion and maintain the university's academic credibility.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Academic Dr Solehah Yaacob will challenge the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) over its decision to terminate her services by taking the matter to the Industrial Court.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}