The President of the ruling National Alliance party in Papua New Guinea says the Madang Governor, James Yali, may be disciplined by the party caucus for criticising the prime minister.
George Manoa says the party executive has taken exception to Mr Yali's criticisms against the leadership of Sir Michael Somare.
Mr Yali, who is a founding member of the National Alliance, says he has asked to be sacked from the party because he is unhappy with Sir Michael's leadership which he describes as incompetent and complacent.
Mr Manoa says the caucus will decide over the next few days its options in disciplining Mr Yali and how to deal with the repercussions of his statements.
"According to the party constitution there are avenues through which a party member can be reprimanded. We feel that we need to give Mr Yali a chance to talk to us and let us sit down with him an we will talk to him about what his problems are before we take any penal actions against him."
Meanwhile, Mr Yali says he stands by his comments and that he was voicing what a lot of politicians within the coalition were thinking.
