Iium Earns Praise For Wading Into Roman Ships Saga With Inquiry Panel

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Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy has praised the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for establishing an internal inquiry panel to investigate Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob’s claim that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.
“I think IIUM came under public pressure to set up the inquiry panel to put an end to the speculative remarks of the lecturer.
“In fact, I asked the university not to dismiss her claims as a personal opinion because scholarly assertions must withstand academic peer reviews,” he said in a statement today.
Referring to the university’s previous statement that Solehah made the remarks in her personal capacity, the former political science lecturer stressed that personal opinions have no place when making historical or scholarly claims.
“The right way was for the university to establish a panel of inquiry so that Solehah could present her findings to the experts present.
“The panel of experts should be fair and impartial to Solehah. The panel of experts presents Solehah the best opportunity to present her historical views of ancient shipbuilding.
“If indeed she has evidence to prove her historical claim, then the exercise will contribute to vindicating what she has said so far,” he added.
Myths, hearsay no substitute for sound research
Ramasamy said the murky nature of ancient history should not be used as an excuse for academics to make outlandish claims.
Lecturer Solehah YaacobAt the same time, he said rigorous research, engagement with existing scholarship, and the use of modern research technology must underpin any credible historical assertion.
He added that myths, fairy tales and hearsay cannot substitute for sound scientific research.
“I take this opportunity to commend IIUM for coming to its senses in moving forward to verify the scholarly claim of Solehah.
“Let this be an important lesson for other universities in the country in maintaining high standards in academic scholarship,” he added.
Yesterday, IIUM announced that the panel would be chaired by deputy rector of academic and internationalisation Ahmad Faris Ismail, and would include historian Zaid Ahmad and Hazizan Noon, dean of the university’s International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation.
“This inquiry will be conducted in accordance with IIUM regulations and will involve a thorough, independent investigation, in line with the terms of reference set out for assessing issues related to academic integrity.
“The panel’s findings and recommendations will be submitted to the disciplinary board for consideration and further action, if any,” it said.
Solehah, who is no stranger to controversy, had doubled down on her claim after her remarks attracted widespread ridicule.
IIUM’s Academic Staff Association had also urged the university’s management to take firm action against academics whose conduct or public statements breach ethical, professional, or academic standards. - Mkini

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