PETALING JAYA: Supporting home-grown technology is commendable, but ongoing concerns over TuJu’s security, performance and development process must be addressed to build public confidence, says MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon (pic).
He said the locally-developed navigation app’s data protection safeguards and reliability should be independently verified before Malaysians are encouraged to switch to it.
Ling was responding to Putrajaya’s announcement on Wednesday banning civil servants from using Waze and to switch to TuJu amid national security concerns.
“If Waze poses a national security risk, what evidence supports the government’s encouragement for Malaysians to switch to TuJu?” he said in a statement yesterday.
Ling said the government should explain the technical basis of its concerns over Waze and provide evidence supporting its assessment of TuJu’s security.
Ling pointed out that publicly- available information indicated that TuJu used data associated with Google Maps, while Google had acquired Waze in 2013.
“Although the applications may process data differently, independent technical assessments would help clarify their respective security and privacy protections.”
He added that users depended on accurate navigation, reliable arrival-time estimates and stable performance, making independent testing and measurable performance standards essential.
Ling also sought clarification on TuJu’s development, particularly the collaboration between the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd.
He said LLM had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the company in May 2022 to promote intelligent highway systems.
According to publicly-reported information, LLM’s then chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari, who represented the authority at the signing, subsequently joined the company’s board of directors.
Ling stressed that these circumstances did not, in themselves, establish wrongdoing or a conflict of interest, but warranted greater transparency to maintain public confidence.
He called for clarification on the criteria used to select Prosignal Consortium, whether the MOU had led to a formal contract and, if so, its principal terms and conditions.
He also sought details on development costs, contractual responsibilities and oversight arrangements, as well as safeguards against potential conflicts of interest.
“These questions seek clarification on public-sector processes and accountability, rather than suggesting that any party has acted improperly.”
Ling maintained that local innovation deserved support, but public confidence should be built on transparent security assessments and proven performance rather than patriotism.
“Transparent security assessments, independent testing and measurable performance standards would help the public make informed decisions and build confidence in TuJu.”
