Former Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram passed away on Sunday at the age of 79, leaving behind his wife, Datin Seri Chandra Sri Ram and two sons.

 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in leading the stream of condolence messages and tributes to the former judge and senior deputy public prosecutor., prayed that the affairs of the late Sri Ram's family would be eased, and for the family to remain strong and resilient in their moment of grief.

"Condolences to the family of the late Sri Ram on his passing. May his family's affairs be eased and the family to remain strong and resilient in their moment of grief,” the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter. 

 Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said the passing of Sri Ram was a massive loss to the legal fraternity and Malaysia,adding that he had contributed much to the judiciary as a Court of Appeal and Federal Court judge. 

 "On behalf of the judiciary and all its staff, I express condolences to his family. His loss will be felt by the nation, especially those in the Judiciary," read the statement, issued by the Office of the Chief Registrar, Federal Court, in Putrajaya.

 The Malaysian Bar, in its memoriam, expressed great sadness and extended its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his family members and loved ones.

Senior counsel Datuk V. Sithambaram, who is the lead prosecutor in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's SRC International case, said Sri Ram's passing was a great loss to the nation and the legal fraternity.

  "Sri Ram was a legal eagle in Malaysia. He was well versed in both civil and criminal cases. His death is a great loss to both the legal profession and the Attorney-General's Chambers as he undertook both private litigation and also acted as a deputy public prosecutor in several high profile cases including the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) corruption trial.

 "His landmark judgements will remain in the legal journals for many many years to come," Sithambaram, who had worked closely with Sri Ram told the New Straits Times.

 The Universiti of Malaya Law Society (UMLS), meanwhile, said in its statement that Sri Ram was no stranger to law students and practitioners alike — his judgments are etched all over our legal studies, particularly in the areas of equity and constitutional law. 

 "He was also a visiting lecturer for Equity and Trust at our very own faculty, wherein coming unprepared would be unthinkable. To Malaysians, he is a leading litigator and prosecutor, often featured in notable cases involving prominent figures in the country. He is also known for his charisma and ferocity in and out of the courtroom, gaining respect and admiration from near and far.

  "While the dreams of many to be under his tutelage are halted with today’s news, Sri Ram’s legacy and contributions will always be remembered in our minds and hearts."

  Former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas said that he was devastated by the loss of his friend who had contributed much to the Malaysian legal scholarship and 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.

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

 "First, as Malaysia’s pre-eminent barrister who was awarded to become the first direct appointment to the newly established Court of Appeal in 1994.

 "Secondly, as one of our greatest judges, whose judgments 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.

  "He was my friend, and I am devastated by his loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace," said Thomas. 

  Remembering the renowned lawyer, Constitutional law expert Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi said he has left a legacy.

  "Sri Ram left his footprints on the sands of time. He was a pioneer in creative, constructive and prismatic interpretation of our supreme Constitution," said Prof Shad.

  Meanwhile, the Star Online reported that Tan MSri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the late Sri Ram was a lawyer full of surprises.

  Muhammad Shafee, a lawyer who has frequently crossed swords with the former Federal Court judge, said that he will miss the latter's antics and "mischief" in court.

 "The late Datuk Gopal Sri Ram was... full of surprises. I knew him when he was a young eager practitioner and I was a ‘rookie’ deputy public prosecutor in 1977.

  "We were never meant to be on the same side from the word ‘go’, always crossing swords in many celebrated criminal and civil cases.

  "Even when he was on the Bench, I felt that he was my opponent to a point when I was asked to show cause for contempt in the Metramac case at the Court of Appeal.

 "I stood firm and the contempt process just disappeared, sine die. He had an unusual memory of law and history. He was also full of anecdotes.

 "What I liked most about him was his never-ageing in thinking; always learning and applying new ideas."

 The late Sri Ram was leading the prosecution teams in two high-profile cases: the 1MDB-Tanore and solar hybrid project corruption trials, in which Muhammad Shafee led the defence teams.

 Muhammad Shafee had tried many times to remove Sri Ram but failed.