Hong Kong Canto-pop legend Jacky Cheung Hok-yau has defended his use of the phrase “Hong Kong, add oil” in a message he recorded for the state broadcaster after the station reportedly axed his clip because of the slogan’s popularity with anti-government protesters in 2019.

Declaring that he was a proud Chinese citizen who loved his country and the city, Cheung on Sunday argued that the phrase should not be banned just because it was once used by people who “made mistakes”.

In the 21-second message he recorded for CCTV to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover to Chinese rule, Cheung said: “Hong Kong has experienced a lot with ups and downs in the past 25 years. I grew up with this city. I was born and grew up here. I still believe in this city, still hoping that it will become a better one. Add oil, Hong Kong.”