
>> ASIAONE / BUSINESS / NEWS / STORY Fri, Jan 08, 2010 The Straits Times
HG Metal chairman survives ouster bid Above: Among those at yesterday's EGM were (from left) Mr Gui Kim Yong, an independent director of HG Metal who oversaw the meeting in the chairman's absence; Mr Sia, who led the ouster bid; and Mr Chng, who has stepped in as a director. By Dickson Li HG METAL Manufacturing chairman Tan Chan Too survived a shareholder bid to oust him at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) yesterday. Related link: » HG Metal's directors quit ahead of EGM » Under-fire HG Metal directors defend record The company's chief executive officer, Mr Wee Piew, and executive director Lee Leng Loke had unexpectedly tendered their resignations before shareholders could vote on their removal from office. All three failed to attend yesterday's EGM, something that rankled with shareholders who had been expecting an explanation for the company's losses, which totalled $58.8 million last year. Despite his non-attendance, Mr Tan retained his role as chairman after a majority of shareholders voted against the resolution to unseat him. Former MP Chng Hee Kok and RL Capital managing director Roy Ling Chung Yee had earlier stepped in to fill the fresh gaps in the company's board and were confirmed as directors at the EGM. Mr Sia Ling Sing, a non-executive director and the largest shareholder, was behind the bid to oust Mr Tan, Mr Wee and Mr Lee, because of what he said was the company's unsatisfactory performance. Mr Sia first bought shares in the company eight years ago and his private companies, Lingco Marine and Lingco Holdings, together hold a 14.4 per cent stake in the firm. 'Looking at other companies in the sector, most made a turnaround after one quarter of losses, but HG Metal did not...the inventory size was too big,' he said. Other shareholders expressed similar views yesterday. One of them, Mr Mano Sabnani, described the company's results as 'quite horrendous'. Despite general discontent, however, some shareholders came to the meeting with open minds. But Mr Sabnani said: 'There were no answers to key questions, like who was going to run the company and what is its direction...probably because they don't have a new team in place yet.' Some shareholders felt they had little choice over the selection of the new board, because Mr Wee and Mr Lee had already resigned. 'We are all very puzzled about why they did not turn up,' said a shareholder who identified himself as Mr Teng. 'Nobody can give us an answer to that...the CEO is still serving notice, and the chairman has not been voted out - they should be here.' At the meeting, Mr Chng did not sketch out any suggested course for the way ahead, but said he would be looking to 'keep inventories more in line with demand'. He added: 'We will take another look at some of the investments the company has made in the past...for instance, nobody knows what is happening about the piece of land in Johor bought two years ago.' Fears of a rudderless company were compounded by a technicality. Dr Tan Eng Liang, who had originally been slated to take over in the event that current chairman Mr Tan was voted out, would not have been able to assume the office because he is more than 70 years old. Under the Companies Act, no person who is 70 years or older may be appointed as a director of a public company, unless the shareholders vote for the appointment under an ordinary resolution during the company's annual general meeting (AGM). Had Mr Tan been removed from office, this would have left the company without a chairman until the next AGM was held. Other uncertainties lie ahead for the company, including Mr Tan's role in the board. 'There is likely to be an executive role for Mr Tan, but the board has not decided whether he will remain as chairman or not,' Mr Chng said. Yesterday's EGM was attended by about 80 shareholders and 55 proxies.
The Board of Directors of HG Metal Manufacturing Limited (the “Company”) wishes to announce the
Audit Committee
Nominating Committee
(4) Appointment of Company Secretary
By Order of the Board
haha well heck them . now most of tt dust is settled, hope tis counter will be better now.
time for tt new personals to show us wht they can do ~
Did anyone read the Straits Times ? One share holder, Mr. Teng who attend the EGM yesterday, find it puzzled why
the resigned CEO and Director; and the still remain Chairman did not attend the meeting ! This Mr. Tend must be joking, when
you are resigned or "hiam hiam" (hokkien) kana kick out, where got mood and face to attend. LOL.
One thing I heard that for the CEO who resigned, he still needs to service his duty for 6 months, kana sai, still can take 6 months salary. LOL
abc2020 ( Date: 05-Jan-2010 15:07) Posted:
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