Politically-appointed Malaysian diplomats will be among those who will be shown the exit door, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

He said this during a press conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia when asked about the changes involving those heading government-linked companies (GLC).

"There are many of them, I can't be specific. Many of them are political appointees including envoys.

"More than 17,000 people were appointed but have no qualifications but they were supporters of a political party," Mahathir said.

He said the heads of GLC were appointed by the previous administration because they were supporters of the party and not based on their capabilities in business and management. Despite this, they were getting a high monthly salary, he added.

"They don't have the efficiency to lead the GLCs and were paid highly. In the end, we found out that there were failures in the projects under their management.

"That is the reason that we have to change them. We need professionals with enough qualifications to lead the GLCs, not those tied with any political parties including the ruling party. These people will be able to manage businesses professionally," said Mahathir.

Mahathir is on a two-day official visit to Indonesia which began yesterday and was given a state welcome by Indonesian president Joko Widodo at Bogor Palace situated in the capital Jakarta.

Asked by the press about the high salaries paid to the GLC heads, Mahathir said there will be a revision of all their salaries soon.

"They will be given a salary that is not big, but they will be paid a bonus if they perform. The bonus will be big, the salary will not be big," he said.