PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim is among those who paid tribute to former Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram, who died today.

“Condolences to the family of the late Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram on his passing. May his family’s affairs be eased and may the family remain strong and resilient in their moment of grief,” the prime minister tweeted.

Former attorney-general Tommy Thomas described Sri Ram as a “national treasure”.

Thomas, who appointed Sri Ram to lead the prosecution in corruption trials involving former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor, said Sri Ram was one of the country’s greatest lawyers.

“Sri Ram was a national treasure. No one post-Merdeka has contributed more to legal scholarship and the administration of justice.

“Sri Ram had a world-class brain; he was as cerebral as any in the common law world. Incredibly articulate in speech, and eloquent in prose,” Thomas said.

Thomas lavished praise on Sri Ram’s hugely successful career, including his involvement in leading the prosecution in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) saga, which rocked the nation.

“First, as Malaysia’s preeminent barrister who was rewarded to become the first direct appointment to the newly established Court of Appeal in 1994.

“Secondly, as one of our greatest judges, whose judgements adorn our law reports in so many diverse branches of the law.

“Finally, as Malaysia’s greatest prosecutor, in leading our most difficult prosecutions in the 1MDB scandals,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he is devastated by the loss of Sri Ram.

Sri Ram, who became a lawyer in 1970, had on numerous occasions represented Umno and Barisan Nasional.

He is best remembered for representing Umno when the High Court in 1988 declared the Malay-based party illegal (as members from non-registered branches had voted in the 1987 party elections).

He was the first practising lawyer from a private firm to be appointed to the Court of Appeal when it was set up in 1994.

He served as a judge at the appellate court for 15 years before being promoted to the Federal Court.

He retired from the judiciary in 2010 before returning to practice.

After his retirement, Sri Ram first appeared for Anwar Ibrahim as his lead counsel in the Federal Court for the latter’s sodomy appeal.

Later, Thomas appointed Sri Ram lead prosecutor in embattled former prime minister Najib’s 1MDB-Tanore trial.

He was also tasked with leading the prosecution in the RM1.25 billion corruption trial involving Rosmah, who was sentenced to 10 years in jail and fined a record RM970 million by the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Activist and human rights lawyer Siti Kasim tweeted to share how Sri Ram had offered to help her.

“I remember he offered to be my counsel for my case when I was maliciously charged in court, pro bono.

“A man with a good heart. I shall miss him,” she said.

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago tweeted about his grief over the loss of Sri Ram, whom he called a “legal legend”.

The DAP lawmaker said Sri Ram had offered to represent him in the his case against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

“He volunteered to represent me pro bono against Zakir Naik, who is suing me for defamation. The trial starts in three weeks.

“Deepest condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Malaysian Bar Human Rights Committee co-chair New Sin Yew said Sri Ram as a Federal Court judge helped lay the foundation for modern constitutional and human rights law in Malaysia.

“It was done through the seminal cases of Sivarasa Rasiah vs Bar Council and Lee Kwan Woh vs Public Prosecutor.

“(These cases are) still being cited today,” he tweeted.

There was also a condoling post shared on Najib’s Facebook page.

“Condolences to Sri Ram’s family. May his family be given strength during these tough times,” the post read.

Najib is currently serving a 12-year sentence at Kajang Prison after the Federal Court upheld his conviction. – January 29, 2023.