Freedom of expression in Singapore at speakers corner, but not advised in shareholder meetings

Antagonistic, belligerent and insulting behaviour are all examples listed in a new etiquette guide published by the Securities Investors Association.

The guide goes on sale next week and follows a series of reports of aggressive attitudes from inside shareholder meetings.

Singapore is well-known for campaigns to moderate the way people behave.

Some members of the global financial community may well be musing about what is deemed unacceptable behaviour in one country while not in another.

Decency

The 2 Singapore dollar ($1.20) booklet advises investors to refrain from rushing for food provided at annual general meetings (AGMs) and consuming excessive amounts.

At one shareholder meeting the Chairman of the Singapore Stock Exchange angrily banged his gavel repeatedly and threatened to evict a shareholder who had been asking questions considered irrelevant.