Noble AGM: shareholders may not be so supportive next time

I REFER to "Noble dodges accounting queries at AGM" and "Sound bites from Elman" (BT, April 18-19).

This was a huge opportunity for the company to clarify what to me are legitimate questions that have been raised about its accounting, business model and corporate governance. Sadly, based on the reports of what transpired at the meeting, the company quashed the opportunity.

Questions about the accounting treatment and valuation of Yancoal are clearly related to the first resolution on the adoption of the audited financial statements. According to reports, the chairman was reluctant to address these questions. Perhaps he has been advised by the company's legal advisers not to address these questions, and in that case, he could have said so.