KUALA LUMPUR: Chief Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, hailing the former Federal Court judge as a towering figure in Malaysia’s legal landscape.
He said Sri Ram was a man of sharp intellect, unwavering principle and fearless independence, whose contributions to the judiciary and the rule of law remain unparalleled.
"On a personal note, to me, he was not just a judge. He was my friend, my teacher. And to the legal fraternity, he was a force of legal brilliance, integrity and courage.
"His judgments were masterclasses in reasoning, his words carried the weight of justice, and his unwavering commitment to the rule of law sets a standard that continues to inspire.
"Whether in constitutional matters, commercial disputes, or ground-breaking public interest cases, his contributions have left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s legal landscape, shaping Malaysia’s jurisprudence for generations,” he said in his speech at the launch of the book "Quintessential Gopal Sri Ram” at a hotel here on Saturday (Aug 16).
The event coincided with Sri Ram’s 82nd birth anniversary. He died on Jan 29, 2023.
Wan Ahmad Farid, who was appointed as the 17th Chief Justice of Malaysia last month, recalled a personal encounter with Sri Ram in 1994, when he was practising in Kuala Terengganu.
He said his client insisted on a good team and specifically mentioned Sri Ram.
"Of course, that, in effect, meant that I was not good enough. I then took the liberty to call his office and speak to him, explaining that my firm was the solicitors on record and of my client’s desire to engage him as a senior counsel.
"To my surprise, he told me: ‘I have heard about you, Farid. I’ll see you and your client in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow’,” said the top judge.
Wan Ahmad Farid said they went on to have an excellent strategic discussion, during which his client suddenly asked: "Encik Sri Ram, with this amount of fees that I am paying you, could you guarantee success?”
"Came the crisp reply: ‘I am not an insurance company in the business of guaranteeing anything’,” said Wan Ahmad Farid.
Speaking about the book, he said this publication by Thomson Reuters is more than just a compilation of his judgments; it is a testament to his enduring influence.
He said for young lawyers, the book is an essential guide to judicial reasoning at its finest, while for seasoned practitioners, it is a reminder of the heights the profession can achieve when guided by wisdom and principle.
"And for the judiciary, it stands as a beacon of the values we must uphold,” he said.- Bernama
