KUALA LUMPUR: The country's law fraternity was deeply affected with the demise of senior deputy public prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram last Sunday.
It was a sombre affair at Sri Ram's wake that was held at Nirvana 2 between 8am and 1pm today.
The third floor of the memorial centre was filled with prayer chants, greeting those who paid their last respects to the former federal court judge.
His wife and two sons were seen seated next to the coffin and occassionally exchanged few words with those who conveyed their condolences.
Sri Ram's colleagues were also present to greet those who came to the wake as early as 7.30am.
Almost everyone in the legal fraternity, from court's clerks to judges as well as ministers and "wakil rakyat" had attended the wake.
Sri Ram's school and childhood friends also came to pay their last respects.
Those present were Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun; former Dewan Rakyat speakers Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusoff and Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun; Damansara member of parliament Gobind Singh Deo, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Zainun Ali and Court of Appeal judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan.
Later, Deputy Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said he would miss the late Sri Ram greatly.
"I appeared before him many times (in court). We worked alongside as lawyers. It was always a privilege to have him as my `teacher'.
"He has given me a lot of guidance, not only to me but also to many other lawyers. He will be sorely missed.
"His death is a great loss to the profession and the country. He is known for his sharp mind. I will definitely remember him for his humour," he said.
Senior counsel Datuk V. Sithambaram said the former federal court judge was unique as he had the skills to insert humor when making serious statements.
"And, he could simplify his words when presenting complex issues for the laymen to understand. That was his gift.
"He was a born teacher. He loved to teach, and liked to see others improve. He wanted everyone to become a good lawyer. He's also a hard worker.
"Practising law is his calling. He will be remembered for his advocacy skills and profound knowledge of the law as a judge," he said.
Sithambaram added that for Sri Ram, it was never about power.
"It was always about what is right and wrong. He would do it, irrespective of who you are and it will be hard to find another person with his calibre, standing and wit. This passing is truly the end of an era," he said.
Sri Ram, 79, was the lead prosecutor in the 1MDB trial and also led the prosecution of Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, in cases involving corruption in a hybrid-solar power project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak and money laundering amounting to RM7 million.