Malaysian Professor Fired Over Claims That Romans Learnt Shipbuilding From Malays

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The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has dismissed a professor who claimed in a viral lecture that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding from Malay seafarers, according to regional media reports.

University Dismissal and Official Stance

According to a media release posted to Facebook by IIUM, Solehah’s service as an academic staff member ended effective April 27, 2026. The university stated that she is no longer a professor and is not entitled to claim any association with the institution. IIUM added that the clarification was issued to prevent misunderstandings and to uphold the academic standing of the university.

The controversy stems from a lecture delivered by Solehah on Dec. 31, 2022, which resurfaced on Oct. 31, 2025. In response to subsequent online backlash, she defended her assertions publicly on Nov. 9, 2025. Additional reporting by Free Malaysia Today noted that Solehah also made claims regarding Malaysian iron ore deposits resulting from meteor strikes, alongside previous assertions that ancient Malays could fly and taught flying kung fu to the Chinese.

Industrial Court Challenge and Research Award Context

According to Free Malaysia Today, Solehah is challenging her termination in Malaysia’s Industrial Court after refusing a compensation offer from IIUM equivalent to six months of her salary. She stated that she was dismissed within 24 hours without being allowed to appeal.

Solehah also maintained that her dismissal was unprofessional because she received a Malaysia Research (MyRa) Assessment award from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia just a day prior to her termination, according to Free Malaysia Today. Following her firing, IIUM explicitly barred her from using any university titles, positions, or official affiliations.

The Industrial Court has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the dispute.