Sarawakian activist berates IIUM’s Prof Solehah for giving warrior Rentap a Malay makeover

 

RECENT findings attributed to International Islamic University Malaysia’s (IIUM) linguistic expert Prof Solehah Yaacob have sparked widespread concern among Malaysians and its academics, in particular historians.

Her repeated promotion of sensational and unsubstantiated historical narratives has misled the public and risks bringing embarrassment to Malaysia’s institutions of higher learning.

We in Sarawak are deeply concerned by her latest claim that Iban hero Rentap has both the Malay blood and is a descendant of legendary Malaccan warrior Hang Tuah.

This is not only factually wrong but also show a blatant disregard for the heritage and identity of Sarawak’s Iban folks.

The individual making these claims is a specialist in Arabic language and linguistics as opposed to a historian, anthropologist or expert on Borneo’s indigenous cultures.

Repeatedly presenting unverified historical claims as fact misleads the public, undermines scholarly standards and disrespects the people whose history is being distorted.

Rentap is Iban pride

Manipulating Rentap’s legacy for personal or ideological agendas is both unacceptable and insulting.

The Iban community and all Sarawakians deserve their history to be respected and preserved, not appropriated or re-written by people who are alien to their culture.

Universities exist to uphold intellectual integrity, rigorous research and evidence-based scholarship. Extraordinary claims made without credible historical or scientific support undermine public confidence in the academic standards of our institutions.

Particularly troubling are attempts to re-interpret figures such as Rentap or to advance sweeping civilisational claims without solid evidence.

Rentap remains a symbol of indigenous resistance and pride among the Iban community.

Distorting or appropriating such history through speculative narratives is irresponsible and deeply disrespectful.

Rentap or “World Shaker” was the title accorded to Libau Anak Lingkan, an Iban-Dayak Saribas warrior who was famous for his refusal to submit to the power of White Rajah James Brooke who styled himself ‘King of Sarawak’

The Iban are highly protective of their history and cultural heritage. Historical figures like Rentap represent not only chapters of resistance but also the dignity and identity of the community.

When such history is misrepresented or carelessly interpreted, strong reactions are inevitable. These sensitivities must be respected, especially by those in positions of academic authority.

This is not a question of academic debate. Genuine scholarship thrives on debate and new ideas as well as grounded in credible research, sound methodology and peer-reviewed evidence.

‘Mental health check’

Promoting fantastical or exaggerated claims in the public domain risks turning serious academic inquiry into ridicule.

Such conduct tarnishes the reputation of Malaysian universities and the many hardworking scholars committed to rigorous research and teaching. Our institutions must never become platforms for pseudoscience or unfounded historical claims.

We therefore call upon the IIUM management to take firm and responsible action. The university must ensure that its staff adhere to professional standards and refrain from making irresponsible public statements that damage institutional credibility.

If necessary, the university should review whether continued institutional support or funding is appropriate for individuals who propagate claims that undermine academic integrity.

We further urge the administration of IIUM to seriously review the conduct of Prof Solehah Yaacob.

Given the extraordinary and unsubstantiated nature of her claims, the university should consider advising her to undergo a professional mental health evaluation before she continues to make public statements that risk damaging the credibility of tertiary institution and the reputation of Malaysia’s academic community.

Professor SolehahYaacob a.k.a. “Prof Kangkung” must understand one thing. You touch one Sarawakian and you answer to all Sarawakians.

We Sarawakians fiercely protect our historical figures and heritage. We reject any attempt to appropriate or rewrite our history. 

 Often touted as Sarawak’s most active activist, Peter John Jaban who is an Iban Dayak himself is renowned for his indigenous rights advocate and founding the Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) movement.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.