Can shareholders quiz external auditors directly?

I REFER to the letter "Noble AGM: shareholders may not be so supportive next time" from Mak Yuen Teen (BT, April 21)

Among other things, Mr Mak suggests shareholders should also have directed their questions to the external auditors.

Over the years, I have attended many AGM/EGMs where I have addressed questions relating to the financial accounts to the meeting chairman, who sometimes asked the external auditors to reply. I believe it is not right to address auditors directly.