There has been criticism of a push by two ministers to deport the executive director of the Papua New Guinea Institute of National Affairs, Paul Barker.
The Post Courier reports the National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, and the Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Mao Zeming, want him out of PNG.
This comes after Mr Barker commented on the 2014 budget, and warned of the dangers of borrowing against future earnings.
Mr Barker also said under these circumstances funding should not be wasted on marginal facilities but genuine priorities.
The Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he welcomes criticism but says critics should also offer alternative policies.
The director of the National Research Institute, Thomas Webster, says critical views are needed if PNG is to become wise and prosperous.
A former cabinet minister, Bire Kimisopa, says Mr Barker's analysis on PNG is welcomed.
He called the comments by the ministers juvenile and says they should be ashamed.
