PETALING JAYA: An International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturer who was ridiculed for saying that ancient Romans may have learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay seafarers has doubled down on her claim.

Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob said her remarks were made based on a research hypothesis developed through “extensive study” since completing her PhD in 2005.

“My hypothesis, grounded in classical Arabic sources, proposes that the Romans acquired aspects of the art of shipbuilding from the peoples of the Malay Archipelago,” she said in a statement today.

...
Solehah said classical Islamic scholars such as Al-Biruni also noted that the art of iron-smelting was developed in Qal�a, which according to Arab philosopher Al-Kindi, was situated in ancient Kedah.

https://youtu.be/vR83WJOh4eA?si=gV3N6HQ7h1wTf_Eg

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...ing-from-malays

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/...g-malays-theory

This post has been edited by icemanfx: Nov 10 2025, 04:56 PM

She may doubled down; sri Vijaya had time machine to travel back to teach Romans.

She may claim later ancient malay had time travel machine but destroyed by colonial power.