Controversial lecturer Solehah to challenge termination by IIUM

 The academic says she is going to the Industrial Court as she was not allowed to appeal against her 24-hour dismissal.

Solehah Yaacob, who was a professor of Arabic linguistics at the International Islamic University Malaysia, was sacked in April. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Controversial lecturer Solehah Yaacob is challenging her termination by the International Islamic University Malaysia and has accused the university of being unprofessional in its decision.

Solehah said she was taking the university to the Industrial Court. “I was dismissed within 24 hours and not allowed to appeal,” she said. “IIUM wanted to pay me the equivalent of six months, but I refused,” she told FMT.

Earlier today, the university said Solehah, who has a doctorate in Arabic linguistics, was sacked in April and was no longer a professor at the university from April 27.

It also said Solehah was not permitted to use any title or position linked to the university or claim any affiliation with the institution.

Solehah said IIUM was unprofessional in dismissing her, especially as she had been awarded the Malaysia Research Assessment award by the higher education ministry the day before.

The MyRa assessment, developed in 2006, is used to evaluate the research performance of universities in the country.

Solehah has been at the centre of public attention over several controversial views on Malay history and civilisation. Among the claims she was reported to have made included one that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays, and that iron ore deposits in Malaysia were the results of meteor strikes. - FMT