KUALA LUMPUR – Several prominent Malaysian figures who are Convent Bukit Nanas (CBN) alumni have slammed the government’s refusal to renew the school’s land lease.
Lawyer and human rights advocate Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said she was devastated to learn of the non-renewal of CBN’s lease.
“CBN has for so long provided top-quality education to countless students and is, for all intents and purposes, a national treasure and should be treated as such.”
In a statement, she said the school should be a heritage site, adding the actions of the authorities in not renewing the lease beyond September “makes no sense at all”.
“It is also worrying as we have no idea what the plans are for the site. There is also a forest reserve next to the school.”
Yesterday, CBN was given more time to challenge the government’s decision after high court judge Datuk Noorin Badarin granted the school’s review application for leave and permission to file a judicial review that is not frivolous, vexatious, or an abuse of the court.
The stay of proceedings will be heard on May 4, 2021.
Established in 1899, Convent Bukit Nanas is an all-girls school situated along Jalan Bukit Nanas in Kuala Lumpur. In 1961, the Ruler in Council had granted the school state lease, which expires on September 6, 2021. In 2017, the school applied to renew the lease, but only receive a letter in January 2021, which was dated December 18, 2020.
Ambiga said the leave granted this afternoon is a welcome move.
The authorities must respond and explain to everyone (there is a formidable number of former students) what exactly the plans are for the site.
“I have no doubt that not just former students, but so many others in Kuala Lumpur will be waiting anxiously,” said Ambiga.
Former minister and Umno Wanita head Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz – who was a CBN student – said the government should ensure that heritage institutions like CBN remain where they are.
“More so when they are institutions of learning, the pioneers in the nation’s development in the education sphere. In fact, instead of just giving the leasehold status of the land, such institutions should be given permanent titles to their sites. As such, it can be the motivation for long-term planning,” she said.
“As far as I am concerned, CBN gave me a good grounding of good values and principles, even as far back in the primary school. And, the inculcation of discipline and a sense of responsibility. I would like to appeal to the authorities to consider giving Convent Bukit Nanas permanency of tenure over the site it is on.”
Deputy president of CBN Alumni Junaidah Ishak, from the class of 1988, said graduates of CBN have made the country proud.
“There are so many high-achievers that have inspired and empowered others. Our school motto, ‘Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty’, is embedded in all of us throughout our lives. CBN has produced the finest, with the long list of alumni who have made a mark in our society, country, and even internationally.”
Junaidah said the school celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2019 and the sisterhood between batches is still strong.
“No other school can replace CBN, or even come close to the standard of the all-girls school. Even the syllabus always exceeds the standard requirement of the Education Ministry.”
“I therefore urge the government to preserve this educational heritage and provide a permanent land title for CBN to continue with (its efforts in) nation-building by producing proactive and progressive society members.” – The Vibes, April 20, 2021
Additional reporting by Azim Idris
