Malaysian university fires professor who said Romans learnt shipbuilding from Malays

PETALING JAYA – International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has terminated the academic service of Solehah Yaacob, who claimed that ancient Romans learnt shipbuilding from the Malays.The university’s Office of Communication, Advocacy and Promotion (OCAP) said Solehah, who previously served as a linguistics professor at the university, was terminated on April 27 and is barred from using any official title, position, or association with IIUM.“Following the termination, she no longer holds the position of professor or represents the institution in any official role.“This ruling also covers the use of titles or positions linking her to IIUM in promotional materials, media reporting, publications, and advertising,” the university said in a statement on Aug 23, as reported by Sinar Harian.The university also clarified that this restriction will similarly apply to any social media content, publicity materials, or other forms of dissemination, whether directly or indirectly, that involve Solehah.IIUM said clarification was necessary to ensure accuracy in public perception of the university while safeguarding institutional integrity in academic representation across Malaysia’s higher education landscape.“IIUM hopes that with this clarification regarding Solehah’s service status and official association with the university, confusion and future misunderstandings among the public can be avoided,” it added.Earlier in August, Solehah suggested that Kedah’s iron ore wealth may have originated from meteor showers, which fuelled debate and controversy across academic and public circles.In November 2025, she made headlines after claiming ancient Romans may have learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay seafarers. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK