THE TuJu issue raises serious questions about transparency, public accountability and how government technology projects are awarded.
Malaysians deserve clear answers about the project’s cost, procurement process, ownership, developer selection and the basis on which the contract was approved.
The government must explain how Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd (PCSB) secured the TuJu project and whether an open and competitive tender was conducted.
If no open tender was held, the government should explain why and disclose the relevant approval process, contractual arrangements and expenditure, subject to legitimate commercial and legal considerations.
Malaysia has talented software engineers, technology entrepreneurs, university researchers and young innovators capable of developing digital solutions for local needs. They should not be overlooked when government projects involving public interest and public resources are awarded.
A Malaysian navigation application should be developed based on merit, technical capability, reliability, user experience, data security and value for money, not political connections or preferential access.
The government should therefore invite qualified Malaysian companies, startups and research institutions to compete through a transparent, open tender.
The selection criteria, evaluation process, project milestones and performance requirements should be made clear from the outset.
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No rush, test and use existing start-up funding
The government should not rush to appoint another developer merely to replace TuJu. Any alternative must first demonstrate that it can provide accurate navigation, reliable traffic information, timely updates, adequate cybersecurity and a positive user experience.
The application should undergo independent technical assessments, pilot testing in different parts of the country, and public trials before any nationwide roll-out.
Its performance should be measured against established navigation platforms – including Waze – using clear and publicly accountable standards.
Public confidence cannot be restored simply by changing the application’s name or appointing a new contractor. It must be earned through proven performance and transparent governance.
The government should also explore existing funding mechanisms to help qualified Malaysian startups develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), test their technology and demonstrate commercial viability.
Relevant programmes administered through agencies such as Cradle Fund and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) may provide potential pathways, subject to their current eligibility requirements and funding conditions.
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Where appropriate, support should prioritise grants and other financing structures that allow founders to retain ownership of their intellectual property and equity rather than unnecessarily surrendering ownership merely to obtain early-stage development funding.
However, public funding must come with clear deliverables, milestone-based disbursement, independent evaluation and proper financial accountability.
Be transparent on TuJu
The TuJu controversy should become an opportunity to improve the way Malaysia procures and develops digital public services.
I call on the Federal Government to:
- Disclose the procurement process for TuJu, including whether an open tender was conducted and the reasons for the selection of PCSB.
- Publish relevant project costs and contractual information, including the scope of work, funding commitments and performance obligations, subject to lawful confidentiality restrictions.
- Conduct an open and competitive tender for any replacement application with transparent eligibility and evaluation criteria.
- Provide a fair opportunity for Malaysian start-ups and technology companies to demonstrate their capabilities.
- Require independent testing and public trials before adopting a replacement for nationwide use.
- Strengthen oversight of government digital projects through measurable performance targets, milestone-based payments and public accountability.
This is not merely about a navigation application. It is about ensuring that public projects are awarded fairly, taxpayers receive value for money and Malaysian innovators are given a genuine opportunity to contribute to national development.
Malaysia should be building a stronger digital economy by empowering local talent, not allowing public confidence to be undermined by questions over procurement and project delivery.
Open tender. Transparent spending. Fair competition. Proven performance. These must be the standards for every government technology project. – Oct 26, 2026
V. Ganabatirau is Klang MP and Selangor DAP deputy chairman.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Ganabatirau Veraman/Facebook
