This is a set of documents related to the power of attorney issued on 10 August 1918 by Syed Solih bin Ahmad bin Idrus of Hadhramaut, who appointed Syed Alwi bin Abu Bakar bin Ahmad Alkaf as his legal representative to oversee his affairs in Singapore. This set includes the English translation of the power of attorney as well as statutory declaration of Haji Abdullah bin Omar published on 31 January 1918, who translated the document from Arabic to Malay. Syed Alawi was to represent Syed Salleh in all matters and was authorized to do the following: to demand and take possession of all properties and possessions of Syed Salleh, to manage his property and accounts, to enter into legal proceedings and serve as the representative of Syed Salleh against anyone who withheld his property, to manage his land and houses such as lease them out and evict defaulting tenants, and to manage and represent Syed Salleh in all interactions with the government such as the payment of fees and renewal of land grants. This power of attorney was verified and sealed by the Cadi of Terim, Shaik Ali bin Sallim bin Omar Arfan Ba Reja. It was first translated from Arabic into Malay by Syed Haji Abdullah bin Omar at No. 52 Buffalo Road, Singapore on 27 November 1918. It was subsequently translated from Malay to English by the Malay interpreter of the Supreme Court of the Straits Settlements in Singapore on 21 January 1918.This document is part of the John Koh collection which comprises of various legal documents in Arabic, Jawi, and English, and serves as a record of the 19th and early 20th century colonial legal systems in Singapore and the interactions of various ordinary individuals with the law.
