BEIRUT: Beirut MP Mohammad Qabbani submitted a draft proposal Wednesday to abolish formal titles used in addressing government officials and politicians in the country.

Qabbani’s proposal comes nearly 13 years after a government decision to abolish the use of formal titles was ignored, the MP said.

“On the eighth anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and in honor of his memory and his achievements, I submit this proposal toward modernity,” Qabbani said in his proposal.

The Beirut MP added that his proposal aims to enforce equality between all Lebanese regardless of their position and profession.

According to the proposal, addressing of officials and politicians should only include “Mr., Ms. and Mrs,” while dropping the series of honorifics that are currently in use.

Qabbani added that officials and politicians from foreign countries that still use traditional formal titles would be exempt from the changes.