KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 29 -- An Orang Asli man has been freed after spending nine years in remand while his murder trial was still at the prosecution stage, in a case his lawyer said had dragged on for far too long.

Sinar Harian reported that Jambi Anak Chang Taa Nam, 47, was released by the High Court in Johor Bahru yesterday, ending almost a decade behind bars.

His lawyer, Kamal Hisham Jaafar, said Jambi had originally been charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code and had remained in custody as proceedings continued.

"Jambi was originally charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

"Although nine years have passed, the trial was still at the prosecution stage," Kamal was quoted as saying.

He said the prolong...