University Dismisses Professor Amid Pseudo-Historical Claims
Professor Solehah Yaacob was fired by her university after making pseudo-historical claims, including that ancient Malays taught flying kung-fu to the Chinese.
New York, NY, August 27, 2026 —
A university has terminated the employment of Professor Solehah Yaacob following her articulation of claims that scholars have identified as pseudo-historical. The specific assertions that led to her dismissal include the assertion that ancient Malays were responsible for teaching the martial art of flying kung-fu to the Chinese.
The university’s decision to dismiss Professor Yaacob comes after a period where these particular historical interpretations were brought to light. The nature of the claims, which challenge established historical narratives and academic consensus regarding cultural and martial arts origins, reportedly became a focal point for the institution’s review.
While the summary details the reason for the dismissal, specific information regarding the timeline of events, the exact date of termination, or the university’s formal statement on the matter was not provided. The specific academic department or faculty to which Professor Yaacob belonged is also not detailed in the provided information.
The controversy centers on claims that connect ancient Malay civilization with the development and transmission of martial arts, specifically a form of ‘flying kung-fu,’ to China. Such claims diverge significantly from mainstream historical and academic understanding, which typically attributes the origins and evolution of Chinese martial arts, including various kung-fu styles, to indigenous Chinese development and influence over centuries.
The process by which the university reached its decision, including any internal investigations or disciplinary procedures, remains unspecified. Similarly, details concerning Professor Yaacob’s response to her dismissal or her defense of her claims have not been made public. The employment status and the specific university involved are also not disclosed in the available information.
The implications of such academic disputes can have broad effects, impacting institutional reputation, faculty discourse, and the public’s perception of historical scholarship. The university’s action signals a stance on academic integrity and the adherence to evidence-based historical research.
Story summarized from the original created by Chris Bradford on nypost.com, see more information here.
