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

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — An Orang Asli man, Jambi Anak Chang Taa Nam, 47, has been released after nine years in remand, as his murder trial remained at the prosecution stage, a case his lawyer said had dragged on for too long. Sinar Harian reported that Jambi was freed by the High Court in Johor Bahru, ending almost a decade of imprisonment.

His lawyer, Kamal Hisham Jaafar, stated that Jambi was originally charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, and had been held in custody as proceedings continued. According to Kamal, the prolonged detention negatively impacted Jambi's family life, limiting his contact with relatives. Kamal, handling the case pro bono, reviewed the evidence upon taking over the case and submitted representations to the prosecution, finding the case against Jambi weak.

The charge was later amended from murder under Section 302 to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code. Emotionally present during the court's decision, Jambi expressed gratitude as Judge Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad granted his release. Kamal took on the case five months ago, when Jambi sent him a letter from prison, reminding him of their 17-year-long acquaintance.

Jambi had accompanied his father to a Kembara Mahkota Johor programme, a service Kamal provided as programme secretary. Kamal was among several lawyers who represented Jambi, but all withdrew later. Describing Jambi as Malaysia’s "longest remand detainee," Kamal's involvement in the case ended with Jambi's emotional freedom.