A Malaysian professor has found herself at the centre of a viral controversy over her claims about Malay history and civilisation, after her university confirmed that she had been terminated from academic service. The professor has disputed the circumstances of her dismissal and says she plans to challenge the decision through legal proceedings.
University confirms termination
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said in a statement on Sunday that Solehah Yaacob, a former linguistics professor, was terminated from academic service on April 27.
The university clarified that she no longer holds the position of professor and does not represent IIUM in any capacity. It also said she is no longer entitled to claim any official affiliation with the institution.
IIUM further stated that she cannot use the university's titles, positions, Kulliyyah, Centre, Institute, Department or other official associations in promotional material, media reports, publications, advertisements, social media posts or other forms of publicity.
“The use of any title or position associated with IIUM is not permitted in promotional materials, media reports, publications, advertisements, social media content, publicity materials, or any other form of dissemination, whether directly or indirectly,” the university said.
Why did Solehah Yaacob make headlines?
Dr Solehah recently drew public attention for several unconventional claims concerning Malay history and civilisation.
Among the claims that went viral was her assertion that ancient Malays could fly and had taught Chinese people what she described as “flying kung fu”. She also discussed a theory suggesting that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding techniques from the Malay world.
Professor says she will challenge dismissal
Following IIUM's statement, Dr Solehah responded by saying that she intends to contest the termination of her employment through the Industrial Court. She also accused the university of acting unprofessionally.
According to Berita Harian, she claimed that the termination was arbitrary and came shortly after she received a Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) award from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).
Speaking to Free Malaysia Today, she alleged that the university dismissed her within 24 hours and that she was not given an opportunity to appeal.
“I was dismissed within 24 hours and was not given the opportunity to appeal. IIUM wanted to pay me compensation equivalent to six months’ salary, but I rejected it,” she said.
