Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Malaysian Professor Sacked After Viral Claims Ancient Malays Could Fly
A Malaysian university said it had dismissed Professor Solehah Yaacob.
The university said she is no longer a professor there or an official representative.
It also said she cannot use the university’s name or titles in publicity.
Solehah became widely discussed after making unusual claims about ancient Malay history.
She said ancient Malays could fly and taught Chinese people “flying kung fu.”
She also discussed a theory about Romans learning shipbuilding from the Malay world.
Solehah says the university treated her unfairly.
She plans to challenge the dismissal in the Industrial Court.
International Islamic University Malaysia said linguistics professor Solehah Yaacob was terminated from academic service on April 27.
IIUM said Solehah no longer represents the university or may claim official affiliation with it.
Solehah attracted attention after claiming ancient Malays could fly and taught Chinese people “flying kung fu.”
She also discussed a theory that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding techniques from the Malay world.
Solehah disputed the dismissal, alleged it was arbitrary, and said she would challenge it through the Industrial Court.
- Who
- International Islamic University Malaysia and former linguistics professor Solehah Yaacob.
- What
- IIUM confirmed Solehah’s termination, while she said she would challenge the decision.
- When
- IIUM said the termination took effect on April 27; the university issued its statement on Sunday.
- Where
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.
- Why
- The articles report the termination and Solehah’s viral historical claims but do not state IIUM’s specific reason for dismissing her.
University’s Position
Solehah Yaacob’s Position
Termination status
University’s Position
IIUM confirmed that Solehah was terminated from academic service on April 27 and no longer has an official affiliation with the university.
Solehah Yaacob’s Position
Solehah disputed the circumstances of her dismissal and said she would challenge the decision through the Industrial Court.
Fairness of the process
University’s Position
IIUM’s statement described the termination and restrictions on using its name but did not provide a specific reason or discuss an appeal process.
Solehah Yaacob’s Position
Solehah called the termination arbitrary, alleged she was dismissed within 24 hours, and said she was not given an opportunity to appeal.
Compensation
University’s Position
According to Solehah, IIUM offered compensation equivalent to six months’ salary.
Solehah Yaacob’s Position
Solehah said she rejected the proposed compensation.
- Professor
- Solehah Yaacob, a former linguistics professor
- University
- International Islamic University Malaysia
- Termination date
- April 27
- University position
- IIUM said Solehah no longer holds a professorship or represents the institution
- Viral claim
- She said ancient Malays could fly and taught Chinese people “flying kung fu”
- Planned legal action
- Solehah said she intends to contest the termination through the Industrial Court
- Disputed process
- Solehah alleged she was dismissed within 24 hours without an opportunity to appeal