The Dynamism of Local Culture In Metagovernance - A Cursory Look at George Town World Heritage Site, Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract-Inclusionarygovernance in the form of metagovernance expanded in George Town when the city was listed as a World Heritage Site. However, the governance culture in Malaysia favors hierarchism where public engagement is not entirely robust. Nevertheless, the local cultural climate in George Town allows for greater public engagement in the governance of the heritage site. This study seeks to understand the factors that allow for a conducive cultural climate to prevail in the metagovernance of George Town World Heritage Site. A total of four respondents were interviewed from various tiers of stakeholders. Based on the findings, factors such as the environment, flexibility, expectation and approaches taken by the stakeholders are found to aid in creating the right culture for inclusionary governance.