CHIEF Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh today paid heartfelt tribute to the late Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, lauding him as a principled icon of the Malaysian legal system who left an indelible mark on the country’s judiciary.
Speaking at the launch of *Quintessential Gopal Sri Ram*, a commemorative book published by Thomson Reuters, Wan Ahmad Farid described Sri Ram as “a man of sharp intellect, unwavering principles and fearless commitment to judicial independence”.
“On a personal level, he was not only a judge, but also a friend and mentor. To the legal fraternity, he symbolised excellence, integrity and courage.
“His judgments brimmed with compelling reasoning, his words carried the weight of justice, and his commitment to the rule of law set a standard that continues to inspire,” he said.
The launch, held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, marked what would have been Sri Ram’s 82nd birthday. He passed away on 29 January 2023.
Wan Ahmad Farid, who was appointed the 17th Chief Justice of Malaysia last month, also shared a personal recollection from 1994, when he was a young lawyer practising in Kuala Terengganu. A client had insisted on engaging the best legal counsel and named Sri Ram.
“I mustered the courage to contact his chambers and explained that my firm was handling the case and the client wished to appoint him as senior counsel.
“To my surprise, he replied, ‘I’ve heard of you, Farid. I’ll meet you and your client in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow,’” he recalled.
They met and discussed legal strategy, but the client soon asked, “Mr Sri Ram, with the fees involved, can you guarantee a win?”
“He swiftly responded, ‘I am not an insurance company that offers guarantees,’” Wan Ahmad Farid recounted with a smile.
Reflecting on the newly launched book, he said *Quintessential Gopal Sri Ram* goes beyond merely compiling the judge’s landmark decisions—it serves as a testament to his immense influence on Malaysian jurisprudence.
“For young lawyers, this book is a vital guide to understanding the best in judicial reasoning. For seasoned practitioners, it is a reminder that this profession can reach its highest form when grounded in wisdom and principle.
“For the judiciary, it stands as a symbol of the values we must uphold,” he said. - August 17, 2025
