KJ blames 'cowardly professors' for their silence as confusion grows in Malaysian history

 

The prevalent public confusion about aspects in Malaysia history should be blamed on “cowardly” academicians, said Khairy Jamaluddin.

In a snippet from his podcast “Keluar Sekejap”, the former minister criticised the country’s history professors and experts for remaining silent while misinformation about the nation’s past continues to spread.

“I want to say this to history experts in Malaysia: what use are you (to society)... as someone who is hired to lecture at a public university and being paid using taxpayers’ money, but you are scared to come forward to defend Malaysia’s history.

“You are not being useful just by sitting at the university… if you do not have the courage to engage with the people who are now in confusion about our nation’s history,” Khairy said.

The former MP also said that in another podcast he is co-hosting, titled “Sejarah Kita” (Our History), it is difficult to find historians who are willing to come on as guest speakers.

He said this was why the public continues to listen to a certain academician despite her ridiculous comments.

History textbook

“This is why ‘Professor Solehah’ is now the number one history expert in Malaysia, because despite her ridiculous takes, she managed to engage with the people.

“Because all of you (legitimate historians) are cowards.

“So, come down from your ivory tower, all you professors, associate professors in the university history departments,” Khairy added.

‘Alam Melayu’

It is believed that he was referring to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) academic Solehah Yaacob, who had come under fire over her claims about historical events.

Last November, she claimed that the ancient Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.

International Islamic University Malaysia professor Solehah Yaacob

In 2024, the Arabic language lecturer claimed that Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Siti Khadijah Khuwailid, was from the “Malay realm”.

Khairy added that he could accept if historians declined his invitation to be on the podcast, but urged them to still engage the public to dispel any misinformation. - Mkini