The International Islamic University Malaysia (UIAM) has set up an internal inquiry panel to investigate claims made by Prof Dr Solehah Yaacob regarding the origins of Roman civilisation shipbuilding.
UIAM said the three-member panel is chaired by Deputy Rector (Academic and Internationalisation), Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Faris Ismail, and is tasked with conducting a comprehensive and independent review in line with the university’s academic integrity guidelines.
The panel also includes respected historian Prof Dr Zaid Ahmad from the Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, as well as the dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, Prof Dr Hazizan Noon.
“This inquiry will adhere to university regulations and will involve a thorough and independent assessment based on established terms of reference for matters related to academic integrity.
“The panel’s findings and recommendations will be presented to the disciplinary authority for further consideration and action, if required,” the university said in a statement yesterday.
Prof Dr Solehah recently drew attention after a lecture video posted on YouTube showed her claiming that ancient Roman shipbuilding techniques may have been learned from Malay seafarers. She said her hypothesis was based on classical Arabic sources.
UIAM stressed that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity throughout the inquiry process to preserve the institution’s reputation, credibility and academic trustworthiness.
