Latest news with #SPU
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SPU alerts people to the harm of illegally dumping tires
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) says it's cracking down on the illegal dumping of used tires. The issue has increased by 82% since 2022 The department says that in 2024, there were more than 1,400 illegally dumped tires found in greenbelts, public rights-of-way, and other community spaces. The city spent $2.9 million in general funds on the cleanup of illegal dumping, including tires. According to the Department of Ecology, tires can cause soil contamination, attract rodents, and hold water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 'We're committed to working with the community to share resources and raise awareness about how to properly dispose of used tires,' said Lee Momon, Director of SPU's Seattle Clean City program. SPU says you can help by preventing illegal dumping from happening. They say you can ask your local tire shop to recycle your tires after buying new ones. You can also drop off tires at North or South transfer stations, or find proper disposal locations by calling 1-800-RECYCLE or visiting
New Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Umno patriotic school to build consistent, principled future leaders
KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of Umno Patriotic School (SPU) will help produce party assets who are steadfast in their struggles and stand firm in their principles. Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said with SPU, the party can avoid the risk of having inconsistent or unprincipled leaders in the future. "SPU is Umno's future asset. We want to shape leaders and members who are consistent. "We don't want to produce 'lalang', jumping parties with the slightest threat," he said in his speech at Umno 79th Anniversary celebrations and the inaugural SPU Malaysia Convocation. Also present were party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, and secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Wan Rosdy who is also chairman of SPU's board of governors said the school is not a seasonal initiative or pilot programme but a long-term, structured and consistent political education system. He said that SPU is not just another training programme but a vital initiative in grooming disciplined, principled, and resilient Umno leaders. "SPU is a key part of the 'Umno Moving Forward' vision. It represents a major shift in party reform. "It's not solely focused on election strategy, but also on grassroots strength and the quality of future leadership," he said. Wan Rosdy added that SPU is a special project born from the vision and thinking of the party president. He also said that the participants had undergone intensive modules to prove their capability as future leaders. "Some of them were involved in the recent Ayer Kuning by-election and performed well, including in attracting voters to support Umno," he said. A total of 48 participants completed their training and received their certificates from SPU, while the second cohort of 62 trainees has already begun their programme.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UMNO urged to stay pragmatic amid political challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO must not remain static or rigid but instead embrace a pragmatic approach in facing the dynamic political landscape and increasingly complex challenges of the times, said party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said UMNO cannot rely on outdated methods and must be bold in adjusting its strategies, approaches and operations to align with the realities of today's political environment. 'The present generation of voters, namely Gen Z and Alpha, view things from a different perspective, shaped by social media timelines, not old rhetoric whose meanings have faded. 'Historical narratives no longer stir their emotions. What they truly seek is a future that offers hope for themselves and the nation,' he said in his message at the 79th UMNO Day celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today. Ahmad Zahid said the rakyat is now more open-minded and critical, while public reliance on political parties continues to decline, resulting in a trust deficit driven by the image of leaders who bicker, make empty promises and neglect the people's interests. Touching on UMNO's recent by-election wins, including Ayer Kuning, he reminded members not to be complacent, stressing that far greater battles lie ahead. He said the party must move forward with a fresher narrative, more strategic communication and sharper, more decisive and courageous groundwork. 'The Sabah state election will soon open its arena, followed by state polls in Melaka, Johor and ultimately, the 16th General Election, the major battle that will determine the future and fate of the country,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also urged UMNO members to avoid internal conflict and not be swayed by negative perceptions and sentiments that could weaken the party. 'We may have differing views, but we must move in unison, as this is key to regaining the people's support,' said the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament. Meanwhile, 48 individuals aged between 16 and 30 received their graduation certificates from the UMNO Patriotic School (SPU), the inaugural batch who completed a 12-week leadership course designed to groom the party's next generation of leaders. Ahmad Zahid said the SPU graduates are proof that UMNO is actively building a new generation of successors who understand the party's historical roots, while nurturing quality future leaders who are courageous, credible and critical thinkers. A special tahlil was also held during the event to mark UMNO Day and in remembrance of the fifth Prime Minister and sixth UMNO president, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Umno celebrates 79th anniversary: Reflecting on legacy, embracing change
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia's oldest political party, Umno is set to celebrate its 79th anniversary tomorrow, with attention focused not only on the ceremony but also on the party's reflection of its role in the nation's evolving and dynamic political landscape. Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to deliver a keynote address outlining Umno's future direction as it approaches its 80th year since its inception in 1946 — a speech expected to set the tone for what lies ahead for the party. A special tahlil to honour former Umno president and fifth prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who died on April 14, will also be part of the agenda. Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in an open letter ahead of the anniversary, called on members to embrace discipline, unity and change, stressing that the party's continued relevance depended on its ability to lead, not merely to survive. "Umno still stands today not merely because of nostalgia, but because the people continue to see its role as the guardian of religion and race, a stabilising force in government, and a compass for the nation's direction. "Umno is not a party born of vengeance or disappointment. It is a political institution forged from the struggle of the Malays. It remains strong because it honours discipline in leadership, strengthens trust with the grassroots, and dares to embrace change," she said. This message of reflection and renewal will anchor the party's 79th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), where, for the first time, it will coincide with the convocation of the Umno Patriotic School (SPU). The event will begin with a graduation procession of SPU participants at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, followed by the presentation of certificates to 50 graduates, marking the completion of their 12-week leadership course. Launched earlier this year, the SPU programme is focused on developing young leaders aged 16 to 30 from across Malaysia, underscoring Umno's unwavering commitment to shaping the future leadership of the nation. Azalina also said that Umno's strength lies in discipline — the kind that allows members to act with maturity, dignity and purpose, even in the face of internal differences or electoral setbacks. "From branch meetings to by-elections — in Pelangai, Nenggiri, Mahkota and Ayer Kuning — our machinery remained united and orderly. Volunteers came forward not just to serve, but because they understood the responsibility of the struggle," she said. "This culture sets Umno apart. We don't walk away out of frustration. We don't punish those who aren't chosen. We stay loyal because we believe the struggle is greater than any individual." She said the recent branch meetings had unfolded peacefully across the country, with high attendance — a clear sign that the grassroots still believed in Umno's role. Azalina also said the party's readiness to evolve, from embracing digital platforms and modern storytelling to launching initiatives like the SPU, demonstrated that it was not just preserving its legacy but also preparing for the future. "Umno has repeatedly shown it is willing to build coalitions for national stability, as long as it does not compromise its core values.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Seattle mayor proposes legislation to help with housing development
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed legislation designed to unlock housing and essential development in neighborhoods that lack the utility infrastructure needed for growth. His office says that this includes more than 25% of Seattle city blocks outside of the downtown core that lack a water, sewer, and/or stormwater mainline. Under current City code, a developer in an area that lacks this infrastructure must cover the full cost to add it—often more than $500,000—regardless of the project's size. This requirement significantly increases the cost of building anything from a single accessory dwelling unit to a school. Projects facing these costs are 30% less likely to move forward than those that don't, Harrell's office said. 'On average over the last 10 years, just 10% of projects funded 76% of development-related utility infrastructure costs. Under the proposed policy, those same projects would have contributed approximately 14%, reducing the financial burden on any single developer and encouraging growth. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) would pay for the remaining portion through an increase in System Development Charges (SDC) paid by most new developments. With this change, costs for developers would be more predictable and would include an option to pay SDC over time on a schedule that better aligns with typical construction financing. The legislation would not affect utility bills paid by SPU customers,' Harrell's office said. To learn more about the proposal, click here.
