AN academic’s claim that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding from the Malays has sparked debate among the MPs.
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) said the claim from the lecturer that Roman civilisation learned shipbuilding techniques from the Malays highlighted the growing spread of pseudohistory.
To counter this, she said institutions such as the National Archives of Malaysia had to be empowered to ensure history remains rooted in evidence.
Speaking during the committee-stage debate for the National Unity Ministry’s Budget 2026, she stressed that Malaysia’s historical integrity must be protected through proper documentation and research.
“The real value of the National Archives cannot be measured in ringgit and sen. It is the keeper of our historical truth – holding treaties, official letters and records that shaped our nation.
“In a world flooded with misinformation and conspiracy theories, the National Archives stand as our defence against pseudohistory – false narratives created to sow confusion and hatred.”
Syerleena was referring to a recent statement by an International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) linguistics professor Dr Solehah Yaacob, who claimed the Romans had learned shipbuilding from the Malays.
The DAP leader urged the government to give the National Archives a stronger mandate and more funding to implement the proposed National Digital History Initiative, which would make verified historical materials digitally accessible to schools and universities.
In Budget 2026, the National Archives received RM56.4mil, a drop from RM59.8mil previously.
Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) said Solehah’s remarks had sparked controversy and ridicule online, with many Malaysians questioning the academic basis of such claims.
“Any statement or claim that touches on civilisations or historical figures must be supported by strong evidence and academic research,” he said.
Solehah has stood by her claim, saying it was based on “extensive research” and references from British theologian Thomas Brightwell, historian Richard L. Smith and scholar Pierre-Yves Manguin.
She said the Romans did not engage in advanced seafaring until after 31BCE, suggesting they might have been influenced by early Malay maritime navigators linked to the ancient Kedah region, referred to in Arabic texts as al-Qal’a.
However, she conceded that it is unclear how such a technological exchange might have taken place across such vast distances.
