KUCHING, March 13 2026: Founder of Dayak Rights Action Force ( DRAF ) Peter John Jaban has warned academic Professor Solehan Yaacob not to make unfounded and unsubstantiated claims that the Iban legendary warrior Rentap was Malay and a descendant of legendary Malaccan warrior Hang Tuah.
He said such historical narratives has misled the public and risks bringing embarrassment to many Malaysians and Malaysia’s institutions of higher learning.
“We in Sarawak are deeply concerned by recent statements claiming that Rentap is part of a
Malay narrative,” he said in a statement.
“Such claims are not only factually wrong but also show a blatant disregard for the heritage and identity of the Iban people of Sarawak,” Peter said.
He added Solehan is only a specialist in Arabic language and linguistics not a historian,
anthropologist, or expert on Borneo’s indigenous cultures.
“Repeatedly presenting unverified historical claims as fact misleads the public, undermines scholarly
standards, and disrespects the people whose history is being distorted,” he warned.
He also reminded Solehan that manipulating Rentap’s legacy for personal or ideological agendas is unacceptableand an insult.
“The Iban community and all Sarawakians deserve that their history be respected and preserved, not
appropriated or rewritten by those outside the culture.
“Universities exist to uphold intellectual integrity, rigorous research, and evidence-based scholarship,” Peter said, reminding that extraordinary claims made without credible historical or scientific support undermine public confidence in the academic standards of our institutions.
He noted particularly troubling are attempts to reinterpret figures such as Rentap or to advance sweeping civilisational claims without solid evidence.
“Rentap remains a symbol of indigenous resistance and pride among the Iban community,” he said, adding that distorting or appropriating such history through speculative narratives is irresponsible and deeply disrespectful.
He said Iban people are highly protective of their history and cultural heritage, adding that historical figures like Rentap represent not only chapters of resistance but also the dignity and identity of the community.
“When such history is misrepresented or carelessly interpreted, strong reactions are inevitable. These sensitivities must be respected, especially by those in positions of academic authority.
“This is not a question of academic debate. Genuine scholarship thrives on debate and new ideas, but it must always be grounded in credible research, sound methodology, and peer-reviewed evidence.
“Promoting fantastical or exaggerated claims in the public domain risks turning serious academic inquiry into ridicule,” Peter said.
He added such conduct tarnishes the reputation of Malaysia’s universities and the many hardworking scholars committed to rigorous research and teaching. Our institutions must never become platforms for pseudoscience or unfounded historical claims.
“We therefore call upon the management of International Islamic University Malaysia to take firm and responsible action,” he said, adding that the university must ensure its staff adhere to professional standards and refrain from making irresponsible public statements that damage institutional credibility.
“If necessary, the university should review whether continued institutional support or funding is appropriate for individuals who propagate claims that undermine academic integrity.
Malaysia’s academic reputation must be protected.
“Our universities should be known for excellence, credible scholarship, and intellectual seriousness not for sensational claims that invite public ridicule. We urge all involved to exercise responsibility, respect the discipline of history, and immediately halt the spread of unfounded narratives that do more harm than good to the nation’s academic standing,” he said.
He warned Solehan to stop spewing this pathetic nonsense and dragging Malaysia's reputation through the “mud with your clownish historical fanfiction.”
He also urged the administration of International Islamic University Malaysia to seriously review the conduct of Solehah Yaacob.
He said given the extraordinary and unsubstantiated nature of the claims being circulated, the university should consider advising her to undergo a professional mental health evaluation before continuing to make public statements that risk damaging the credibility of the institution and the reputation of Malaysia’s academic community.
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