The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) says it is “reviewing” remarks made by one of its lecturers who suggested that ancient Roman shipbuilding techniques may have been learned from Malay seafarers.
The university said it viewed the matter seriously and regretted the academic’s actions, adding that internal measures would be taken in line with existing procedures after the review.
It also said the lecturer’s statement had once again tarnished IIUM’s academic integrity and reputation, despite earlier reminders to be more responsible when commenting on academic issues.
“The university is aware of the viral video circulating on social media, which has caused public confusion.
“IIUM stresses that the comments were made in the academic’s personal capacity and do not represent the university’s official position,” Berita Harian quoted it as saying in a statement.
IIUM said it upholds academic freedom, but reminded academics that public statements must be made responsibly and be grounded in verified research.
“We believe the balance between academic freedom and scholarly responsibility is essential to preserving the credibility of academia,” it said, adding that academics have a duty to educate the public with factual, evidence-based knowledge.
While IIUM did not name the academic, the viral video features Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob, who claimed that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.
She is believed to have made the remarks following the discovery of a 13th-century shipwreck near Pulau Melaka last Friday.
The discovery of the giant wooden ship skeleton, aged between 800 and 900 years, is believed to be among the oldest shipwrecks ever found off the coast of Malaysia, marking an important milestone in the country’s archaeological history.
This is not the first time Solehah has drawn attention for controversial remarks.
She previously claimed that ancient Malays could fly and taught the Chinese “flying kung fu” and that Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Siti Khadijah Khuwailid, originated from the Malay realm (alam Melayu).
