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