Salleh, a former chief minister, said Sabah BN was exploring a new formula that would ensure fair political representation among the state’s diverse communities, the New Straits Times reported.

The new formula was not just about power-sharing, but “political accommodation,” he was quoted as saying. “We feel that in any coalition, no party should act like a ‘big brother’. We need a formula that can satisfy everyone.”

When asked what formula he had in mind, Salleh said Sabah BN would use past models as a guide.

He said previously Bumiputeras were divided into Muslims and non-Muslims. “We should discuss (the matter) so that we can consider Bumiputera to mean both Muslim Bumiputera and non-Muslim Bumiputera.”

Salleh also said BN was preparing a draft commitment for Sabahans to tackle the state’s fundamental issues, which he personally pledged to lead.