“I was dismissed within 24 hours” – Controversial M’sian Lecturer Dr Solehah to Challenge IIUM Dismissal in Court

The controversial Malaysian lecturer who recently went viral after claiming that the iron found in Kedah could be linked to meteors had her service with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) terminated on 27 April, the university revealed.

Dr Solehah Yaacob came to public attention recently over several controversial views on Malay history and civilisation, including claims that ancient Malays could fly and taught the Chinese “flying kung fu”, as well as her theory that the ancient Romans learned shipbuilding techniques from the Malay world.

Controversial lecturer dismissed by IIUM

IIUM confirmed that Dr Solehah no longer holds the position of professor at the university and does not represent IIUM in any capacity.

The university clarified that she is no longer allowed to use any title, position, Kulliyyah, Centre, Institute, Department, or any other form of official affiliation with the university.

“Dr Solehah Yaacob is no longer a Professor and is not entitled to claim any association with the university effective from this date. The use of any title or position associated with IIUM is not permitted in promotional materials, media reports, publications, advertisements, social media content, publicity materials, or any other form of dissemination, whether directly or indirectly,” the statement read.

Dr Solehah to take IIUM to Industrial Court

Dr Solehah has since responded to the matter, saying she plans to challenge the termination of her employment by IIUM by taking the case to the Industrial Court. She further accused the university of acting unprofessionally.

According to Berita Harian, Dr Solehah claimed that IIUM terminated her employment arbitrarily, particularly as she had received a Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) award from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) just one day prior.

Speaking to local media, she claimed that she was dismissed within 24 hours and was not given the opportunity to appeal.

She also said that she rejected IIUM’s offer of compensation equivalent to six months’ salary and plans to pursue legal action.

“I was dismissed within 24 hours and was not given the opportunity to appeal. IIUM wanted to pay me compensation equivalent to six months’ salary, but I rejected it,” she said.

The MyRA assessment, introduced in 2006, is used to evaluate the research performance of higher learning institutions in Malaysia.

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Also read: “Iron from the sky” – M’sian Professor Claims Iron Found in Kedah Could Be Linked to Meteors