Iium S Weak Defence Of Academic Irresponsibility

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I FIND it appalling that the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) would so casually dismiss the statement of one of its academics who claimed that the Romans learnt the art of shipbuilding from the Malays.
The academic in question, Prof Dr Solehah Yaacob, a lecturer in Arabic Studies, recently made this extraordinary assertion.
Her claim sparked uproar in academic circles, particularly because her area of expertise bears little relevance to disciplines such as history, archaeology, or maritime studies—fields necessary to make such sweeping historical claims.
Yet, rather than applying rigorous academic standards in addressing the matter, IIUM took a wishy-washy stance by describing Solehah’s statement as merely her personal opinion.
Personal opinions may be acceptable on family or social matters, but certainly not in advancing claims about the development of ancient civilisations. Academics are expected to present opinions grounded in facts, supported by research, and defensible through scholarly scrutiny.
To pass off unsubstantiated claims as personal opinion is to erode the very foundation of academic integrity. IIUM’s response makes Solehah’s statement even more laughable and deeply troubling for the credibility of its academic community.
(Image: Malaysiakini)Does this mean that university lecturers can now hold two sets of opinions—one “personal” and another “academic”? How can personal opinions, when expressed publicly under the banner of academic authority, be immune from accountability?
It is astonishing that IIUM chose leniency rather than disciplinary action against a lecturer who made claims so disconnected from established historical knowledge. To assert that the Romans learnt shipbuilding from the Malays is an extraordinary proposition that demands equally extraordinary evidence—not idle conjecture.
In academia, there is no escaping the responsibility to substantiate one’s statements with evidence. Unsupported assertions cannot be shielded behind the convenient excuse of being “personal opinions.”
By dismissing Solehah’s statement in such a manner, IIUM has abdicated its responsibility to uphold academic accountability and rigour. Those in charge of academic standards at IIUM should be ashamed of defending what is clearly indefensible.
The presence of academics who make such baseless claims—and institutions that defend them—makes a mockery of higher education in Malaysia.
I shudder to think of the fate of students who might have earnestly taken down notes from Solehah’s lectures, believing them to reflect scholarly truth about ancient shipbuilding in the Malay Archipelago.
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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