SINGTEL shareholders were in a feisty mood yesterday, peppering
the board with plenty of pointed queries on various topics, from
online sex games to bad grammar and the new chairman's $25,000 car
allowance.
Almost 500 investors turned up for its annual general meeting,
which lasted two hours at the NTUC Auditorium - easily SingTel's
longest AGM in years.
All the resolutions were eventually passed but investors were
determined to have their day, particularly about the new chairman,
Mr Simon Israel.
Some voiced concerns about the appointment given Mr Israel's
close ties with Temasek Holdings, where he was executive director
and president.
While all the investors who spoke said they had no issue with Mr
Israel's ability, they were worried that having him at the helm
could colour public perception of whether Temasek is wielding undue
influence over SingTel.
Mr Chumpol NaLamlieng, who stepped down as chairman yesterday to
make way for Mr Israel, stoutly defended his successor.
-- ST