Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad Malaysia and Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali at Darwin Airport. The fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia served 22 years 1981-2003, making him Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister. His political career spanned almost 40 years. Minister for Education 1974-1978 and Minister for Trade & Industry 1978–1981; Deputy Prime Minister 1975-1981. Dr. Mahathir & Mrs. Mahathir meet Dr. Richard Lim MLA (Malaysian born) Member for Sadadeen. To the left Mr. Brendan Doran Director DFAT Darwin; to the far left Mr, Nathan Sammy (Malaysian born) Ministry of Asian Relations & Trade.