An "Umno mentality" is posing a challenge to Bersatu as the 14th general election (GE14) approaches.

In Kelantan, particularly, there are division leaders who are already openly attacking the party due to unhappiness stemming from the lack of financial allocations.

According to a source, 14 Bersatu divisions were only given an allocation of RM5,000 each, paid out in two tranches.

This meagre amount caused dissatisfaction among many members who expected smooth sailing as when they were with Umno.

"What is worrying is there have been many occurrences of leaders in Kota Bharu, openly criticising the party during press conferences.

"There will be complaints but we hope they (the disgruntled leaders) will learn to be patient, remain focused on the party's struggles and not resort to calling for press conferences," he said.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Bersatu chief Kamaruddin Mohd Noor (above), when contacted, acknowledged the problems faced by the party.

He said that allocations should not be made a matter of contention as it formed the basis of any political organisation.

"We all sacrifice in our own way, according to our own capabilities. This is just the beginning, like how Umno first started.

"It's true (this Umno mentality) as the majority of party members are formerly from Umno so they don't only physically join Bersatu but bring their attitudes with them," he said.

He admitted that changing the minds of members with an Umno mentality will take a long time but claimed there were "invisible hands" at work behind the sudden attack against the party leadership by party members.

"When we fight among siblings and when we reveal our own weaknesses, it's putting ourselves to shame. That's not right. There are proper channels.

"This proves that they (disgruntled members) did not act on their own accord, but there are 'invisible hands' and 'directors' behind the drama," he said, alluding to parties he claimed were worried about Bersatu's strengthening influence in the political arena.