Malaysian Professor Who Claimed Romans Learnt Shipbuilding From Malays Fired By University

A Malaysian academic who attracted widespread attention for claiming that ancient Romans learnt shipbuilding techniques from Malay seafarers has been dismissed by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

Solehah Yaacob, who holds a doctorate in Arabic linguistics and previously served as a professor at the university, was reportedly terminated in April 2026. She has since challenged the dismissal and is taking the university to Malaysia’s Industrial Court.

According to Free Malaysia Today, Solehah rejected an offer of compensation from IIUM equivalent to six months of her salary. She claimed that she was dismissed within 24 hours and was not given an opportunity to appeal the decision.

IIUM Confirms Academic’s Service Has Ended

IIUM issued a statement on Aug. 23 confirming that Solehah’s employment as an academic staff member ended on Apr. 27, 2026.

The university stressed that she was no longer a professor or entitled to represent herself as being associated with IIUM from that date onwards. She was also instructed not to use the university’s titles, positions or official affiliation.

IIUM said the clarification was intended to prevent misunderstandings and protect the institution’s academic standing and integrity.

The dispute follows controversy surrounding statements made by Solehah during a lecture on Dec. 31, 2022. The remarks did not attract widespread attention until a recording resurfaced online in October 2025.

Professor Defended Controversial Historical Claims

In the lecture, Solehah claimed that Malay seafarers had played a role in the development of ancient shipbuilding and that the Romans had learnt shipbuilding techniques from them.

The claims generated considerable online debate after the video resurfaced. Solehah subsequently addressed the criticism in November 2025 and maintained her position.

Her other reported claims also attracted attention. She allegedly argued that iron ore deposits in Malaysia were created by meteor strikes and had previously made claims involving ancient Malays being able to fly and teaching Chinese people a form of “flying kung fu”.

The controversy prompted questions over academic standards and the evidence supporting the historical assertions.

However, Solehah has disputed the circumstances surrounding her dismissal and is now seeking legal recourse through Malaysia’s Industrial Court.

Research Award Came One Day Before Dismissal

Adding another layer to the dispute, Solehah told Free Malaysia Today that she had received a Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) award from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education just one day before her dismissal.

MyRA is an assessment framework used to evaluate research performance at Malaysian universities. The system was developed in 2006 and assesses various aspects of research activity and institutional performance.

Solehah argued that the timing of the award and her subsequent termination raised questions about how IIUM handled her case.

She has reportedly rejected the university’s compensation offer and intends to pursue the matter before the Industrial Court.

The dispute is now set to move beyond the academic controversy itself, with the legal proceedings expected to examine the circumstances surrounding her termination and whether proper procedures were followed.

IIUM, meanwhile, has made clear that Solehah no longer holds an academic position or official association with the university. The case highlights the tension that can arise when controversial academic claims attract public scrutiny while institutions seek to maintain professional and research standards.