(30-11-2011, 06:12 PM)yeokiwi Wrote: Point 1
Well, they were paid by the management to do the work so it is unlikely that they will try their very best to uphold minority rights.
What to do? The wish of their paymaster is more important!
Point 2
In order to defeat the management, there must be some voluntary pre-EGM link up, email exchanges, appointing proxies ahead of the EGM. With enough shareholders participating, the possibility of defeating the resolutions is higher.
Kingboard Copper and Tsit Wing shareholders did that before.
On Point 1, I guess until the ecosystem understand what is the meaning of the term "independence" then IDs, Scrutineers, IFAs will always think that the paymaster is synonymous with the majority shareholders/management.
Independent has to mean allegiance to ALL shareholders NOT just the majority shareholders.
Actually, all in the AGM, EGM, i.e. "Shareholder meeting" Services biz like Boardroom etc should be clear on the difference. ALL shareholders own a stake in the company and pay for their services which requires them to act independently.
It is sad that many accept the status quo as inevitable.
On Point 2, I have the privilege (??) of experiencing both KReit Asia and Kingboard Copper EGMs.
The Kingboard Copper EGM, did not involve pre-planning amongst minority shareholders. Things just clicked. One of the prime positives was the discovery of a key Institutional shareholder amongst us (during vote count) that had a big stake (Pope Management), enuff to outvote in a poll where the majority SSH had to abstain. The situation was also more dire i.e. outright de-listing at a distressed price vs a more "fluid" rights issue in this case.As U all know, Pope actually was prepared to go to the Courts later to have their grievances heard.
Altho, I agree that pre-planning helps, I think there are structural impediments that favor the majority SSH, impromptu logistics for minority shareholders can be difficult to manage.
Kepcorp/Kepland staff were very organised and seated very strategically thru out the room. It was an EGM, they set out to win.
Hence, the call is for MAS to intervene and set things right.