Prof Solehah trolled for staking lineage claim of famed Iban warrior as “being of Malay origin”

 

NO culturally significant or historical figure seems safe from the clutches of controversial International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) academic Prof Solehah Yaacob.

The linguistic expert has built quite the following with narratives that paints Malay culture as the epicentre of civilisation; her claims include ancient Roman empire owing its maritime prowess to the expertise of Malay shipbuilders as well as that the ancient Srivijaya empire was Islamic in origin.

The latest target of her historical revisionism? Iconic Iban warrior and figurehead – Rentap.

Yes, you guessed it. The Arab language specialist has now laid claim to Rentap’s heritage by boldly claiming that he was Malay and a descendant of legendary Malaccan warrior Hang Tuah.

Is anyone safe from this learned academic’s unverified theories?

Editor’s Note: Rentap (c. 1800-1863), born Libau anak Ningkan, was a legendary Iban warrior and hero in Sarawak who led fierce resistance against the White Rajah, James Brooke, in the mid-19th century.

Known as “Raja Darat” or “Earth-tremor,” he famously coined the motto “Agi Idup, Agi Ngelaban” (“Still alive, Still fighting”) while defending Iban land and culture.

The sense of irritation was evident in a Facebook post by Kuching resident Ambai Kumang who turned to Chat GPT for clarification. A quick trawl through the world wide web revealed:

No, Rentap is not a Malay. Based on authentic historical records and academic studies, Rentap is known as a warrior from the Iban people of Sarawak.

He is famous for his struggle against the Brooke Dynasty rule in the 19th century. Rentap is considered an important figure in the history of the Iban community who fought for the rights and freedom of their people from colonialism.

There is no solid historical evidence or academic consensus to support the claim that Rentap was of Malay descent. Therefore, the claim that Rentap was a Malay is not supported by authentic historical sources.

The post has generated 3.8K likes, 2.9K comments and 780 shares with many commenters sharing their sense of indignation at this Malay colonisation of accepted historical facts by the academic dubbed Prof Kangkung by detractors.

One commenter did not mince his words when reacting to Islamic civilisation expert’s views whom they thought smacked of a colonial mindset in claiming what is not rightfully theirs.

A few went on to demand that some form of action be taken against this wayward intellectual for daring to mess with Iban history.

The choice of weaponry alone would indicate Rentap’s heritage, argued one eagle-eyed history buff. If Rentap was Malay, he would have brandished a keris.

The calls for concrete evidence were loud and many. It was easy to make unverified proclamations online but quite another if the academic were to actually meet Rentap’s kin, it was forcefully argued.

However, one observer noted that despite her many dubious claims, Prof Solehah has amassed quite a following.

A concerned Sarawakian opined that this was a concerted move to import Peninsular-style  politics rooted in 3R issues (race, religion and royalty) into Borneo.

Describing the ploy as “poisoning a tree from the roots”, this commenter urged Sarawakians to preserve their unique culture and traditions from this creeping and less-than-subtle colonisation.

While Professor Solehah may well be within her rights to make such claims as a private individual (not as an academic representing IIUM), should she be allowed to mess with a community’s long-held traditions and cultural icons?

Would it be permissible for another academic to make similar claims regarding a Malay-Muslim historical icon that questions his or her genealogy?

The rising prominence of Prof Solehah and her increasing number of loyal followers is a worrying trend for Malaysia.

This is what is known as cultural white-washing and should be opposed in all its forms, especially when disguised as intellectual thought. – Focus Malaysia