THE rightist fraternity are apparently on cloud nine over news that former Arabic linguistics professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has earned the “USE-WPF Professor” recognition in the field of Philosophy of Language and Civilisational Studies from the World Philosophical Forum (WPF).
This is despite the WPF is not a tertiary institution of learning but merely an Athens, Greek-founded international NGO which mission is “to unite humanity into a single global civil society and work toward a concept called the Universal State of Earth (USE)”.
Leading the chorus of applause is the Pertubuhan Negarawati Tanahair which hailed yesterday’s (Nov 1) conferment of the professorship “as a catalyst for even greater scholarly contributions” from Solehah “particularly in elevating stature of Bahasa Melayu, Islamic thought, intellectual heritage and Malay civilisation on the global stage”.
Recall that the controversial Arab linguistic specialist had her contract terminated by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) effective April 27 this year with her professorship stripped.
In praising Solehah for her achievement, Bibi Sunita Sakandar Khan who chairs Negarawati which champion the cause of elevating the voice of Malay women perspectives across various core fields, including advocating for national stability, remarked:
In a world where human values, identity and thought are increasingly challenged, we’re in dire need of more scholars who possess not only academic excellence but who also utilise knowledge as a foundation for cultivating moral character, wisdom, justice and universal well-being.
We also pray that Dr Solehah continues to be blessed with good health, strength and the blessings of knowledge, and that she remains steadfast in her pursuit of advancing knowledge for the sake of religion, race, nation and humanity.
True knowledge does not merely elevate an individual’s status; it illuminates the mind, builds civilisation, and leaves an enduring legacy for future generations.
‘More of an award than academic title’
True enough, her fanbase echoed a similar sentiment expressed by Negarawati in that Solehah is indeed a “Muslim woman of substance” while others even ridiculed IIUM for having terminated Solehah whose academic excellence has eventually being recognised.
This was when some detractors exposed the bitter truth that “the World Philosophical Forum is merely a registered NGO”.
“It’s essentially just an association that hands out awards,” mocked one Penangite.
“Hopefully, there’ ll be a comprehensive explanation regarding the status of this organisation. The name sounds grand but its international standing is on par with a university that operates out of a shophouse.”
Another cautioned that while the WPF “uses the word UNESCO in its branding web-links, the title is an internal recognition from the NGO and not an official academic title or award granted directly by the UN (United Nations) or UNESCO”.
Alas, regional history buff SEA Heritage & History while wishing Solehah “continued success and excellence! 🎉👏🌟”, reminded the Pasir Mas, Kelantan-born academician that “a clarification is needed” on the recognitions conferred on her.
“While the USE-WPF Professor recognition appears to be associated with the World Philosophical Forum (WPF), it shouldn’t automatically be interpreted as an official professorship or award granted directly by UNESCO,” asserted the Jakarta-based Facebooker.
The use of “UNESCO” alongside the World Philosophical Forum may create the impression that this is an official UNESCO recognition. Therefore, the exact institutional relationship and status of the award should be clearly explained to avoid public misunderstanding.
Recognition of academic achievement is certainly worth celebrating but accuracy and transparency are equally important. – Nov 2, 2026
