KUALA LUMPUR — An International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturer who went viral for claiming that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays has defended her academic hypothesis, stating that she is the victim of a “media lynching.”
The university, however, has distanced itself from her remarks, saying it regrets her actions, which have tarnished its reputation, and has launched an internal investigation.
In a Facebook post, Professor Dr Solehah Yaacob, an Arabic language and linguistic thought expert, stood by her theory, which she said was “developed through extensive study of classical Arabic sources.”
“My hypothesis concerning the achievements of the Malays and the borrowings of the Romans may be right or wrong. However, in both our academic and Islamic traditions, we are taught to respect differing opinions,” she wrote.
“Unlike the Europeans, who were largely continental, the Malays were a maritime civilisation… I firmly believe that the Malays were among the first peoples in human civilisation to develop the art of shipbuilding.”
She did not cite any additional supporting evidence in her post.
Solehah also addressed another edited video clip circulating online, denying that she ever claimed Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Siti Khadijah, had Malay heritage.
She said the clips were taken out of context and that she had filed a police report.
“I sincerely hope that all forms of slander, insult, disinformation, and ridicule will come to an end,” she concluded.
Solehah had previously courted controversy by claiming that ancient Malays could fly.
Her latest was raised in Parliament yesterday, where government MPs criticised the claim.
DAP’s Syerleena Abdul Rashid said historians had debunked the assertions, insisting that history must be based on evidence rather than fantasy.
An Umno lawmaker also noted the widespread ridicule that Solehah’s claim had sparked online.
However, the lecturer found a defender in PAS MP Wan Razali Wan Nor, who urged support for further research rather than outright dismissal.
