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IIUM Terminates Professor Solehah Yaacob Over Academic Claims

8/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

International Islamic University Malaysia terminated former professor Solehah Yaacob on April 27.
IIUM barred Yaacob from using any university title, position, or affiliation.
The university said the action protects its academic integrity.
Yaacob claimed ancient Malays could fly and taught Chinese “flying kung fu.”
Historians ridiculed Yaacob’s viral claims about ancient Malay civilisation.

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Story summary

International Islamic University Malaysia terminated former professor Solehah Yaacob on April 27.
IIUM barred Yaacob from using any university title, position, or affiliation.
The university said the action protects its academic integrity.
Yaacob claimed ancient Malays could fly and taught Chinese “flying kung fu.”
Historians ridiculed Yaacob’s viral claims about ancient Malay civilisation.