KUALA LUMPUR – Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa has waded into the furore surrounding SMK Convent Bukit Nanas’ (CBN) land lease, saying the matter was never referred to him.
He now wants to meet the school’s sisters to find out what he can do to help preserve the institution, reported The Star.
“I personally think CBN should not be touched, and should be allowed to continue operating.
“Land ownership issues are something that we can discuss. I would like to meet the CBN sisters and lend them an ear to find out more.
“The issue of CBN, which is currently in the news, was never referred to me, despite (the school) being in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. All federal land matters fall under the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, and the chief secretary to the government under the Prime Minister’s Office.
“I have also asked the director of the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office for more details on the background of the matter, and a status report on the CBN issue.”
The 122-year-old CBN is currently operated by its owners under the school board Lady Superior of the Society of Saint Maur.
Several prominent Malaysian figures who are 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 the following month. – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
