Malay Rome Shipbuilding Claim Makes It To Parliament

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PARLIAMENT | An academic’s controversial claim that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays was discussed in the Dewan Rakyat today as MPs continue debating the 2026 Supply Bill.
At least two government MPs urged the National Unity Ministry to address the manipulation of historical facts, while an opposition MP urged it to embrace the view and support further research on the matter.
Shamshulkahar Deli (BN-Jempol), in his speech, said the issue has sparked controversy among Malaysians and has become a running joke on social media.
“Recently, we were shocked by various statements... for example, (a claim that) the Romans had visited the Malay (Archipelago) to learn shipbuilding, and several other claims.
ADS“These issues have created polemics among our society, and Jempol feels uneasy when history becomes ‘bahan gurauan’ (a joke) and is being ridiculed on social media.
“Any statement or claim that touches on any (historical) figure or civilisation has to be backed by strong evidence and thorough academic research,” he said when debating the Supply Bill at the committee stage earlier today.
Shamshulkahar Deli (BN-Jempol)Shamshulkahar then posed a question to the unity minister whether its newly established National Historians Council has any plan to address such issues.
The government MP was referring to a statement by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob, who claimed the ancient Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Harapan-Bukit Bendera) in her speech slammed the academic, saying historical facts should not be built on myth or fantasy.
She pointed out that Solehah had been reprimanded by other historians previously after the lecturer claimed the Malays were the ones who taught kung fu to the Chinese.
“Many historians had rebuked (the statement) as a baseless manipulation of history.
“History must be based on authentic evidence, not based on myth or fantasy. When history is used as a propaganda tool, it not only contributes to the dumbing down of society but also disunites it.
Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob“We have to teach the rakyat so they know how to differentiate between confirmed historical facts from the fabricated ones. The ministry’s job is not only to organise programmes but also to protect history from being manipulated and turned into a social poison,” Syerleena said.
‘Be proud of our heritage’
On the other hand, Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan) defended Solehah against her critics.
He said it was unfortunate that some Malaysians have an inferiority complex when it comes to their cultural identity.
“We should not have this kind of attitude. We must feel proud of our great heritage. As an example, the archaeology site at Sungai Batu proves iron smelting activities in our history.
“Thus, I am of the view that the ministry can celebrate this revelation by our academic by providing its support to continue academic research.
“On top of this, the budget for research should be increased so that more of our cultural heritage can be discovered by academics, the Museums Department, and other stakeholders,” Wan Razali said. - Mkini

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