Kedah Gerakan wants the government to take stern action against the principal of a sekolah kebangsaan in Bukit Selambau, Sungai Petani, for allegedly asking several non-Muslim students to “balik Negara asal China.”

Kedah Gerakan chief Dr Cheah Soon Hai said if it was true that the principal had made the racist utterances, then the person should face disciplinary action.

He said the government should be strict to tackle the matter as schools are places for learning and such degradable and disparaging words from a school principal should not be condoned at all.

It was reported in the vernacular newspapers on Friday that the principal had scolded the students for taking breakfast at the school compound, saying they were insensitive because Muslim students are fasting. At that time, the school canteen was close.

The principal allegedly said the students should respect every race’s culture and if not, they should “balik Negara asal China.”

Dr Cheah, who is also Derga State Assemblyman, said the people should know history that Malaysia gained independence because of genuine efforts of all races.

“While acknowledging the fact that non-Muslim should be more sensitive towards Muslim during fasting time, the principal’s statement has clearly gone overboard. Making statements such as passengers (penumpang) of the country are totally unwarranted,” Dr Cheah added.