KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 28 -- From claiming that ancient Malays could fly to asserting that they taught the Romans naval shipbuilding, former linguistics professor Solehah Yaacob has drawn international ridicule while stirring passionate debate at home.

Although she was dismissed by the International Islamic University Malaysia in April, her revisionist claims retain a fervent following.

Boasting over 500,000 followers across Facebook and TikTok, Solehah continues to draw thousands of viewers, while her in-person Lost Malay History and Civilisation seminars remain in high demand, The Straits Times reported.

Sociologists trace the phenomenon to contemporary communal insecurities.

Aziff Azuddin of Iman Research said: "My reading is that the...