IIUM regrets lecturer's claim that Romans learned shipbuilding from Malays
Published: Nov 7, 2025 9:19 AM
Updated: 12:19 PM
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has expressed regret over a “misleading” statement made by one of its academics.
IIUM stressed that the academic’s statement was a personal opinion and did not represent the university’s official position.
Although the university did not name the academic, its statement followed another controversy involving Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob, who claimed that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.
“As an institution of higher learning, IIUM upholds the principle of academic freedom that allows scholars to share their views, conduct research, and contribute to scholarly discourse.
“However, IIUM also emphasises that any public statement must be made responsibly, grounded in academic accuracy, and in line with professional standards,” the university said yesterday.
IIUM added that it is reviewing the statements made by the academic internally in accordance with existing procedures, and appropriate action will be taken.
The university further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the integrity and quality of education and scholarship among its academics.
“IIUM believes that academics bear a great responsibility to educate society with authentic and factual knowledge,” it said.
The university also said it had previously cautioned the academic to be more responsible when offering views on academic matters.
Earlier, a video of Solehah’s lecture went viral, in which she claimed that the Romans learned to build ships from the Malays.
The lecturer’s claim drew backlash and criticism, including from the university’s Academic Staff Association (ASA), which urged IIUM to take prompt and appropriate action.
ASA said the academic’s statement should not be taken lightly as it could harm the university’s reputation and good name.
Last year, Solehah also sparked controversy after sharing her view that Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Siti Khadijah Khuwailid, might have originated from the Malay realm.
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And don't forget:
Wakakakaka...actually the genius of the Romans was they were unafraid of learning the best methods and techniques from other people's and incorporating them into Roman know-how.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, even their God was borrowed from the Jews, but that ultimately led to the downfall of Rome.