Ex-police chief hails New Order

SALATIGA, Central Java: Former National Police chief Gen. (ret) Dibyo Widodo claimed that many people were longing for the period when the New Order regime ruled the country.

Dibyo told supporters of the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) here that he had listened to laymen on the streets or in food stalls complaining about the economic hardship they were facing since the advent of reformasi.

"I often hear the poor people speak about how much they miss the New Order heyday, when security was fully maintained and the prices of commodities were cheap," Dibyo said during the party's anniversary celebration.

Dibyo is the party's legislative candidate representing Central Java.

"We are ready to make the people's dreams come true," he said.

The party was founded last year by former Army chief Gen. (ret) R. Hartono. It will field 414 legislative candidates for the April 5 vote.

The New Order regime was marked by rampant corruption and major human rights issues, along with solid economic development and very few security disturbances. -- Antara