Penang Bersatu members were told to choose between “money” or the “struggle” as they prepare to face the coming 14th general election this year.

“Don’t talk about money, talk about the struggle.

“We are not a party that gives you money. Instead, we ask for your money,” the party’s Penang deputy chief Mohd Shariff Omar said yesterday.

“In this struggle, we have had to use our own money. Every time we go for meetings, chaired by our chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, our money has to come out.

“Everyone had to give money. So don’t talk about money, money, money. Don’t just ask, where are the funds? This is a struggle that requires sacrifice.

“And our goal here is to seize Putrajaya (from BN),” Shariff said.

Shariff, formerly the Tasek Gelugor MP, was at the launch of 10 Bersatu branches in Penaga, along with the state chairperson, Marzuki Yahya, and several local leaders.

The branches are Kota Aur, Guar Kepah, Penaga, Kuala Muda, Bakau Tua, Pasir Gebu, Sungai Tembus Tepi Laut, Bertam Perdana, Bumbung Lima, and Bertam Putra.

However, it is learnt that Penaga, which falls under the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary constituency - currently held by Umno – will be contested by Bersatu’s coalition partner Amanah.

At the Harapan national convention last week, Bersatu was allocated the most Peninsular Malaysia seats (52), and Amanah the least (27).

But Shariff also said there was no need to question seat allocations or candidate choice by the leadership “as it is not our job”.

“Our job as Harapan members is to win the general election,” he added, to loud cheers from the 200-odd crowd in Dewan Dato’ Ismail Che Chik, Bakau Tua.

The former Penang deputy chief minister also stressed that Bersatu members must be committed to ensure that a Harapan candidate wins, even if not from the party.

“In Harapan, there is no ‘big brother’ as everyone is of same status. All views will be considered.

“Mahathir has been offered as prime minister if Harapan wins the elections, while we await (PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim as our PM.

“Who wants Anwar as PM?” he asked, and the crowd shouted back, “We do!”

Marzuki, meanwhile, cautioned members in Bersatu to accept the leadership’s decision in choice of candidates.

“Our enemy is not among ourselves, our enemy’s name is Najib, this is who we must fight.

“We can demand for seats now but after the decision is made, we must all accept it. We should not be discouraged (if we do not get the seats we want), but should work towards saving the country,” Marzuki said, adding that the seat allocation for Penang should be completed by the time Harapan holds its state convention in early February.