ARAB linguist expert Dr Solehah Yaacob, who has gained notoriety with controversial claims to the point that the International Islamic University of Malaysia sacked her, was roasted on a Facebook page.
The Indonesia based Facebook page – SEA Heritage & History – put forth Solehah’s claim that ancient Malays were adherents of the faith of King Daud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon). She claimed that both were followers of the Abrahamic faith based on the monotheism.
King David is the second king in the Kingdom of Israel who led the Tribe of Judah. He became a hero by killing Goliath. King Solomon is the son of David.
The claim brushed off studies that show early Malays were influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism.
Two Facebook users Pravin Menon and Siow Chuan pointed out that Solomon and David were Jews who followed Judaism.
Another Facebook user Al Rizky Muhammad extended Solehah’s point by stating that Solehah may even claim that everything in this universe is from the Malays and the human beings around the world originated from Peninsular Malaysia.
One Raymond Chan meanwhile defined a new job for Solehah by calling her a comedian of history and anthropology.
Facebook user Henry Lau meanwhile concluded that Solehah and Solomon were cousins along with Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad.
The PAS federal lawmaker had claimed that Communist Party of Malaya’s former party secretary general Chin Peng was related to DAP’s Lim Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang and Teresa Kok.
Siti Mastura was subsequently sued for defamation and she had to pay over RM800,000.
Another commenter Mohiyuddin Gilani meanwhile debunked Solehah’s claim by questioning why the Malay language was heavily influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism in terms of language instead of Hebrew if what Solehah claimed was indeed true.
Facebook commentator Morgan Sundram Rangasamy meanwhile equated Solehah with US president Donald Trump.
“Prof Solehah is like Donald Trump also. The whole world is looking down at US due to Trump’s behaviour and foolish statements but he still has 30% voters supporting him. Same (as Solehah).”
While a majority of commentators rubbished Solehah’s claim, there were still a few who accepted the claim as a fact.
Facebook user Ikhwan Nul claimed that Solehah’s claim cleared his comprehension on the history of the Malays and the origins of the community.
Another Facebook commenter Mohd Fazreen Azaman also supported Solehah on the basis that not all of ancient Malays were Hindus. He claimed that the notion was a myth made up by the colonial masters.
The heavy influence of India, in his view, was due to India being a trading nation and the spices. – Nov 10, 2026
Main image credit: Facebook / SEA Heritage & History
