Sliding door internal handle does not open the door. Is this ‘normal’

[Guy]

Whilst working on the van (23 crafter) I realised the sliding door internal door handle doesn’t open/unlock the door, is this normal, I assume not but there is nothing at all, no clicking, just nothing . It appears this is how it came out the factory. We are the second owners of the van, the first being the local VW dealership but I can’t see a reason to disable the internal handle. If anyone has any insight or suggestions please let me know.

Thanks