Many of the companies listed on the Malaysian stock exchange have the year ended 31st Dec 31, 2010 and thus are required to hold their annual general meetings (AGMs) before June 30, 2010.

The AGM is an opportunity for shareholders to participate, pose questions and even debate some of the resolutions proposed.

Being a shareholder and/or proxy of some of the listed companies and also as an accountant representing certain people who do not have time or technical expertise, I duly attended many AGMs in the last few months as I was brimming with questions to pose to the boards of directors.

My questions ranged from accounting technical matters, operational activities, internal controls, outlook, prospect and corporate governance to profitability issues. Some of my questions digged deep if the company was losing money and was suspected of fraudulent matters.

I myself have even questioned the auditors to justify their audit report issued. After all, it is only once a year shareholders get a chance to liaise with the board of directors so thus we must make the full use of the time at the AGMs.

There have been some instances where I emailed my questions to the board of directors many days ahead of the AGMs so that they can prepare and provide sufficient details during the AGM itself. My efforts have been very fruitful in many instances.

While I note that there are some company directors who could have been more forthcoming and informative with their answers, it is the conduct of the shareholders at these AGMs which irks and disappoints me.

I am sad to note that some shareholders attend these AGMs for plenty of non-relevant matters namely door gifts, gift vouchers and the food to be provided after the AGMs. Some shareholders even monopolise the microphone telling their life stories and other ‘showmanship matters’ which are nothing related to the resolutions tabled.

It is very usual for some shareholders to want the AGMs to be concluded quickly in order to rush for the food served after the AGMs.

Even more embarrassing is that some shareholders come with empty lunch boxes to be filled up, thus depriving many others. There have been times when the ‘slower’ shareholders (me included) are left without any refreshments.

I am at a loss of words and sad with this kind of third-class mentality. It is obvious that some shareholders who have the knowledge and can afford to buy some of these highpriced shares act as though they have been staving thus their uncivilised manner over the food served.

In my opinion, I am the least bit concerned over the door gifts or the food served. I am more concerned on the listed companies profitability, prospects and outlook.

And if a company reports sterling profits, I can look forward to better dividends, an increase in share price and if lucky, share split and bonus issues. Then I can have buy any gift I want or eat any fancy restaurant of my choice.