MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad in a Merdeka Day and Hari Raya Aidiladha message today urged Malaysians to reject graft.

The Merdeka Day and Hari Raya Aidiladha messages were a break from his predecessors, who were not known to released festive day messages.

Dzulkifli had in May raised eyebrows when he issued a congratulatory message to Umno on its anniversary, where he urged the party to combat corruption.

In his latest message, Dzulkifli said Malaysians needed to appreciate the true meaning of independence and to free themselves from the culture of corruption that could destroy the nation.

"Malaysians must have in them a strong spirit of patriotism and should not be taken in by worldly greed and become embroiled in the crime of corruption and abuse of power," he said in a statement.

Dzulkifli also conveyed his Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings, stating the celebration also required people to understand the meaning of sacrifice (korban).

"As a form of sacrifice, every person should have the strength and a strong identity to build this beloved country and not become involved in corruption and abuse of power which will destroy one self, one's family, and the country," he said.