KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 29): Former Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram has passed away at the age of 79.

A source confirmed his sudden passing. 

Sri Ram, who had made history for ascending straight from private practise to become a Court of Appeal judge in the 1990's, played a major part in leading the prosecution of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in relation to 1Malaysia Development Bhd and Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in the solar hybrid trial.

He has been unwell since late last month due to a urinary tract infection and was later said to have been hospitalised at the Gleneagles Hospital due to a lung infection.

He passed away at the hospital's intensive care unit at 12:15pm, said to be due to the infection.

Sri Ram leaves behind his wife Chandra Sri Ram and two sons.

The criminal cases that the former Federal Court judge was leading are expected to continue with the existing team of deputy public prosecutors.

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