The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has formally terminated the employment of linguistics professor Solehah Yaacob, following her widely publicized claims regarding ancient Malay history. The university confirmed the dismissal in a statement issued on August 23, 2026, clarifying that the academic was removed from her post on April 27, 2026.
The university’s Office for Communication, Advocacy and Promotion emphasized that Yaacob is no longer permitted to claim any affiliation with the institution. The move follows significant public and academic backlash sparked by viral videos in which Yaacob asserted that ancient Malays possessed the ability to fly and claimed that they were responsible for teaching “flying kung fu” to the Chinese. These statements drew widespread ridicule from professional historians and academic observers.
The administration stated that the decision was necessary to maintain the institution’s academic standing and integrity. By issuing this public clarification, the university aims to distance itself from the controversy and ensure that the former professor is no longer perceived as representing the institution in any capacity. Yaacob has reportedly been contesting the dismissal, though the university’s stance remains firm regarding her lack of current association with the faculty.
Follow-up Questions
Is Solehah Yaacob legally challenging her dismissal?
Yes, reports indicate she is actively fighting against her dismissal, though the university maintains she has no further association with them
What remains unclear: The specific legal status of her appeal remains undisclosed
What was the official reason for the termination?
The university cited the need to uphold its academic integrity and standing, following public backlash over her pseudo-historical claims
What remains unclear: The university has not released confidential employment details
Perspectives
University Administration View vs Academic Community Stance
Story lens
University Administration View
The IIUM administration prioritizes institutional credibility and academic rigor. By formally distancing itself from Yaacob, the university seeks to mitigate reputational damage among the global academic community and reassure students that its curriculum remains grounded in verified history
Academic Community Stance
Historians and academics have widely ridiculed the claims as pseudo-history. This perspective emphasizes that academic freedom does not extend to the dissemination of demonstrably false information, which undermines the scientific mission of higher education institutions
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