THE MARITIME GOVERNANCE CONCEPT IN THE CONTEXT OF ANTI-CORRUPTION, LOGISTICS CYBER SECURITY AND NATIONAL CUSTOMS TRANSIT SYSTEM'S ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Maritime governance is an elusive and formidable concept to define and operationalise since its meanings, interpretations, processes and procedures differ according to the approach, configuration, context, goal, form, level and scope used. The transboundary and complex nature of contemporary maritime environments signify the existence of increasingly complicated systems and forms of maritime governance. Hence the concept of maritime governance must be non-exhaustive, fluid and encompassing so as to be able to illustrate its applicability in different maritime sectors. The problem is that the above gives rise to confusion and misinterpretation of the elasticity of the concept; especially when it attempts to be “interactive, inclusive and integrative” while being contextually exclusive at the same time. The objective of this preliminary study is to illustrate the dichotomy of the concept of maritime governance in the context of anti-corruption, logistics cyber security and national customs transit system by focusing on their respective issues and challenges. A systematic literature review of the operations of the maritime governance concept in maritime anti-corruption, logistics cyber security, and national customs transit system systems of governance has been conducted. Relevant secondary data from official websites, publications, reports, national data sets and legal frameworks have been reviewed and thematically analysed. Findings reveal that the dichotomy of the maritime governance concept arise because of the compositions, operations, frameworks, as well as issues and challenges that are faced in these three areas. Hence it is recommended that more in-depth studies be conducted to illustrate whether the findings are applicable to other maritime sectors.