Nine years in remand, murder trial still at prosecution stage: Orang Asli man finally released

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — After spending nine years in jail, an Orang Asli man named Jambi Anak Chang Taa Nam has been released from remand, according to a report by Sinar Harian. The 47-year-old's case reached a significant milestone as the High Court in Johor Bahru finally granted his freedom. His lawyer, Kamal Hisham Jaafar, revealed that the long-standing trial had been ongoing at the prosecution stage despite the passage of nearly a decade.

In a statement, Kamal highlighted that Jambi had initially been charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, but the proceedings had stalled for far too long. The lawyer, who handled the case pro bono, submitted representations to the prosecution, arguing that the case against Jambi was weak. The charge was later amended from murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code.

Upon his release, Jambi's emotional reaction revealed the immense impact of the prolonged detention on his life and family. Kamal's involvement in the case began five months ago, when he received a letter from Jambi in prison, recalling their 17-year encounter. The lawyer had decided to take on Jambi's case after meeting him, expressing satisfaction in finally securing his freedom after years behind bars.

Kamal also mentioned that Jambi had previously been represented by several lawyers, all of whom eventually withdrew from the case.