Solehah Yaacob files court challenge over IIUM sacking
Solehah Yaacob, a former professor of Arabic linguistics at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), filed a claim at the Industrial Court on Thursday challenging her dismissal in April.
Source: Free Malaysia Today · August 23, 2026 at 7:27 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 AUGUST 2026 —
Solehah Yaacob, a former professor of Arabic linguistics at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), filed a claim at the Industrial Court on Thursday challenging her dismissal in April.
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IIUM confirmed her termination on the same day, saying her employment ended on April 27 and that she was no longer permitted to use any title or affiliation with the institution. The university added that it had offered her six months’ salary in compensation, which she declined.
Solehah, who won the Malaysia Research Assessment award from the Higher Education Ministry the day before her sacking, told FMT she had been dismissed without notice or the right to appeal. She described the university’s handling as unprofessional.
The former professor, known for controversial views on Malay history and civilisation, did not disclose further details of her legal claim. IIUM has not commented beyond its initial statement.