'Tarzan and gorillas' can wait: Malay scholars told to tackle core issues first

Veteran journalist A Kadir Jasin believes it would be more beneficial if Malay academics devoted more time to fundamental issues, such as Malay economic hardship, chaotic Malay politics, the deterioration of the Malay language, and worsening Malay morals.

“When all these improve, then we can boast like a victorious male gorilla in a wrestling match or roar like Tarzan seducing Jane.

“Only then will our unusual and extraordinary arguments gain more authority and be trusted by more people,” he added.

Kadir was commenting on the controversy surrounding International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Arabic language lecturer Solehah Yaacob's claim that the Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays.

Solehah has since defended her claim, arguing that her hypothesis is based on extensive studies which included classical Arab sources.

‘Testable, educated guess’

However, Kadir noted that a hypothesis is defined in English as “a testable, educated guess or proposed explanation for a phenomenon, serving as the foundation for scientific research.”

“In Malay, roughly, it is an opinion or initial guess made based on observation or existing knowledge, which is then tested through investigation or experimentation.

“So it is not a scientific discovery. Therefore, if the IIUM scholar is serious, she should conduct investigations and experiments,” he added.

On the same note, Kadir pointed out that ancient sources are not necessarily reliable.

“For example, according to old Malay chronicles and narratives, the Malay kings descended from the heavens at Bukit Siguntang as gods. Some even say the Malay kings were descendants of Alexander the Great.

“But the Quran states that the only humans who descended from the sky were Prophet Adam and his wife, Eve,” he added.

Thorough probe

Yesterday, Universiti Malaya (UM) said it is conducting a thorough investigation following claims that an article authored by Solehah in one of its academic journals cited a satirical website as a factual reference.

Mastura Yusoff, head of Media and Creative at UM’s Corporate Communications Centre, said the university is reviewing the entire editorial and publication process of Jurnal Al-Tamaddun to ensure its academic integrity remains intact.

The issue arose after a Reddit user highlighted that a 2018 paper by Solehah had cited an article from satirical news outlet The Onion as fact.

Solehah reportedly referenced a parody piece claiming that “a group of historians admitted to fabricating Ancient Greece”.

Following the revelation, another academic, Sharifah Munirah Alatas, called for the article published in Jurnal Al-Tamaddun to be retracted.

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