‘Professor Kangkung’: Malaysian academic mocked for Roman shipbuilding theory

An associate professor from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has raised eyebrows – and heckles – after a video of her suggesting that the Romans learned their shipbuilding techniques from the Malays went viral.

Solehah Yaacob’s controversial statements, dubbed “pseudo-history” by critics, have prompted her academic colleagues to urge the university to take firm action against those who tarnish its reputation.

“The Academic Staff Association expresses deep concern over recent incidents involving academic members whose actions and public statements may appear to have breached the ethical, professional and academic integrity standards expected of members of our academic community,” the university dons said in a statement posted on social media on Tuesday.

“Such conduct, especially when it undermines social responsibility or poses significant risks to the reputation and good name of the university, must not be overlooked. The credibility of our institution depends on the integrity, accountability and professionalism of its academic staff.”

Though the statement did not mention any names, it is believed to refer to the Arabic language associate professor, who recently claimed that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.

A social media video of Solehah’s presentation, titled “Rome Learned to Build Ships From Malays” has been viewed by thousands, according to local news outlet The Rakyat Post.