Malaysian Professor Fired Over “Malays Can Fly” Claims

Academic Dismissal and University Standing

The institutional action follows widespread public attention surrounding theories advanced by Solehah regarding historical trade, geology, and linguistics. According to the Kantor Komunikasi Advokasi dan Promosi IIUM, as cited by the South China Morning Post, the university moved to clarify her status to protect its academic reputation. “Dia bukan lagi profesor dan tidak berhak mengklaim hubungan apa pun dengan universitas,” or translated as she is no longer a professor and has no right to claim any relationship with the university, IIUM stated. The university also instructed that she is barred from utilizing her former title in promotional material, media reports, or publications.

The institution’s communication office emphasized that the clarification aims to prevent misunderstandings and uphold institutional standards.

Controversial Historical and Scientific Claims

Solehah’s public assertions drew heavy criticism from historians and academics across Malaysia. Among her most discussed statements, reported across local and regional media, was the claim that ancient Malays possessed the ability to fly and instructed Chinese practitioners in “flying kung fu.” Additional theories included assertions that ancient Roman sailors learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay mariners, and that the wife of Prophet Muhammad, Khadijah, shared ties to the Malay world.

In the fields of geology and astronomy, Solehah publicly suggested that meteor impacts accounted for the rich iron ore deposits in Kedah, pointing specifically to Gunung Jerai as a site of an ancient strike. Her remarks frequently sparked intense debates online and within academic circles, prompting previous warnings from national officials. According to Malay Mail, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir previously urged university academics to remain strictly within their designated fields of expertise following earlier historical assertions.

Legal Challenge and Ministerial Recognition

In response to her firing, Solehah contested the university’s actions by bringing her case to the Industrial Court in Malaysia, alleging that the institution handled her dismissal unprofessionally. Speaking to Free Malaysia Today, she stated that she received no opportunity to appeal the decision. “Saya diberhentikan dalam waktu 24 jam dan tidak diperbolehkan mengajukan banding,” Solehah remarked to Free Malaysia Today, noting she was terminated within a 24-hour window.

She also confirmed that IIUM offered a financial settlement equivalent to six months of salary, which she declined. Adding to the complexity of the timeline, Solehah noted to Free Malaysia Today and detik.com that the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education awarded her the Malaysia Research Assessment just one day prior to her termination from the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Dr Solehah Yaacob dismissed from IIUM?

According to IIUM statements cited by the South China Morning Post and detik.com, she was removed from her academic position due to controversies surrounding unverified historical and scientific claims regarding ancient Malay civilization.

What specific claims did the former professor make?

Her public assertions included claims that ancient Malays could fly and taught kung fu to the Chinese, that Romans learned shipbuilding from Malay sailors, and that Kedah’s iron ore deposits originated from meteor strikes, as detailed by regional media outlets.

How has the academic community responded?

Historians and academic peers heavily criticized the assertions. IIUM officially severed ties on April 27, 2026, prohibiting her from using her former professorial title or claiming any institutional affiliation.

Is there an ongoing legal dispute?

Yes. According to Free Malaysia Today and news.detik.com, Solehah filed a case with the Industrial Court in Malaysia, contesting the procedural fairness of her dismissal.