I think it's a Suzuki "thing"! Mine is "upside" down (must take the Suzuki sticker off it- it looks silly). I think they build 'em for the "left-hand drive" boaters.....
I think you can pop them off and fit the handle to the other side if it bothers you. However, it's good the way it is. When the going gets rough and you need nice fine control, you can clip your middle finger and ring finger over the far end of the box, rest the edge of your palm on the top and control softly with your thumb and first finger. Definitely beats grabbing the handle and shoving and pulling it!
