I would have approved CBN’s land lease renewal: Xavier Jayakumar

KUALA LUMPUR – The land lease non-renewal issue for SMK Convent Bukit Nanas (CBN) was not made known to former water, land and natural resources minister Datuk Xavier Jayakumar during his time in the ministry, he said.

The Kuala Langat MP said he believes the land lease for the historic school should be renewed.

“In fact, had such an application been brought to my attention, it would have been approved,”  he said in a statement.

He said a special committee should be formed and tasked with decisions on extending land leases involving mission schools.

“This school has not only proved to be a school of excellence (during its) long service to the country in education, but also (should be preserved) because of the immense history that this 122-year-old institution and (its) building holds.”

He said CBN and its buildings must be preserved as a heritage site as it predates the country’s independence, adding it should be done with the full support of the government.

“I hope the government will renew the school’s land lease and that all financial support and benefits will be extended to the school.”

Several prominent Malaysian figures who are CBN alumni – including former minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and lawyer Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan – have slammed the government over its refusal to renew the school’s land lease.

On April 19, high court judge Datuk Noorin Badarin granted CBN’s review application for leave and permission to file a judicial review. The stay of proceedings will be heard on May 4.

Federal Territories Land and Mines Office director Datuk Muhammad Yasir Yahya reportedly said Putrajaya’s decision is to ensure CBN becomes a fully aided government school.

Established in 1899, CBN is an all-girls school situated along Jalan Bukit Nanas here. In 1961, the Ruler in Council granted the school a state lease, which will expire on September 6 this year.

The school in 2017 applied to renew the lease but received a letter, dated December 18, 2020, only in January 2021. – The Vibes, April 21, 2021