Provincial Secretariat of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus, the landowner of two of the convent schools allegedly facing closure, has refuted allegations that they are selling their land to private developers.

Provincial Secretariat head Sr Celine Wong said, "We have no intention to sell the land and buildings for redevelopment."

"The sisters want to go back to our initial reason for being here, that is, the initial objective of providing a wholesome education in our mission schools," Wong said in a statement to Malaysiakini.

"It is about bringing back our ethos, the special character and traditions of what a mission school is… a mission school that promotes the overall formation of an individual child irrespective of race, religion or social standing," Wong added.

She was responding to public outcry over the alleged closure of the convent schools - Convent Light Street, its primary school and Convent Pulau Tikus in Penang.

Contrary to earlier reports, the nuns are only owners of two schools - Convent Light Street and Convent Pulau Tikus.

The primary school land was sold off to the government a few years ago.

Penang Education Department director Shaari Osman said the schools' closure has not been confirmed yet.

The issue was first highlighted by DAP Pulau Tikus assemblyperson Yap Soo Huey (photo) on her Facebook page yesterday, where she expressed her concerns about the schools.

As a former student of Convent Pulau Tikus, Yap said the public should not be in the dark about the matter.

Meanwhile, Wong reminded the public about the history of the convent schools, which began in the 1800s.

The IJ Sisters came out to Malaya in 1852, in response to an invitation by French priest Mgr Boucher to start schools, she recalled.

The first foundation was Convent Light Street, Penang – a private mission school.

"In a spirit of trust, dedication, love and sacrifice and with the help of numerous generous benefactors and friends, our convent schools and orphanages multiplied throughout the country providing education to all children, irrespective of race and creed," Wong said.

"We hold a very long history here in Malaysia and preserving our history - be it the thrust of educating young people or the conservation of the heritage buildings - is dear to us," she added.

"The IJ Sisters will never forget our mission in education," she stressed.