Asian native suggesting his phone was silent? (5)

I believe the answer is:

orang

'asian native' is the definition.
(orang-utans are native to Asia)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for orang that I've seen before include "Large ape" , "Forest-dweller with red hair" , "Wild animal briefly appeared" , "- - -utan" , "Primate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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