The media laws that were approved by the parliament early last month have not yet been submitted to President Salva Kiir for signing into law, says the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

“A parliamentary committee is still going through the documents, and more steps are needed before the President can sign them,” Michael Makuei Lueth has told Eye Radio.

“They [media laws] need to go to what we call inter-chamber committee; which is a committee of the two houses; of the National Legislative Assembly and of the Council of States.”

Mr. Makuei said once the inter-chamber committee passes them, then they will be sent to the office of the President for assent and signature.

Mr. Makuei Lueth also said that that he will uphold the media laws.

He issued the assurance after he was quoted recently, as saying that journalists should not be given special consideration, if the media defames the government.

“I cannot be against the media law because I was a party to the media laws –that is one.

“Number two, we will be operating with everybody according to the law, but anybody who will be in conflict with the law will be in conflict with us.

“My task is to ensure that everything is operated according to the law.”

An international media lobby group – the IMS – says South Sudan’s media law has a great potential to bring about more transparent and accountable public institutions through improved access to information, and public service broadcasting.