PETALING JAYA: The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has set up an internal inquiry panel to examine remarks by lecturer Solehah Yaacob (
pic) claiming that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay seafarers.
IIUM said the panel would be chaired by deputy rector of academic and internationalisation Ahmad Faris Ismail, and would include historian Zaid Ahmad and Hazizan Noon, dean of the university’s International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC).
“This inquiry will be conducted in accordance with IIUM regulations and will involve a thorough, independent investigation, in line with the terms of reference set out for assessing issues related to academic integrity.
“The panel’s findings and recommendations will be submitted to the disciplinary board for consideration and further action, if any,” Berita Harian quoted the university as saying in a statement.
IIUM had previously express regret over Solehah’s actions and that internal measures would be taken in line with existing procedures after reviewing the academic’s remarks.
Solehah recently caught flak for suggesting that the ancient Romans might have learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay seafarers.
She is believed to have made the remarks following the discovery of a 13th-century shipwreck near Pulau Melaka.
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. - FMT
