Pakatan Harapan is seeking to repeal the University and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) because Malaysians are more mature now, according to the coalition's chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Now, the people are more mature and understand. I think we no longer need this law," said the former premier in his weekly "policy talk" live video stream on his Facebook page this morning.

Mahathir said the law had intended, among others, to discourage students from taking part in non-academic activities in order for them to focus on their studies.

Should Harapan succeed in abolishing the law, Mahathir said the onus would then be on parents to monitor their childrens' performance.

The former premier has long been criticised for amending Section 15 and 16 of the UUCA when he was education minister in 1975, at a time when student activism was at its peak.

The two sections barred students from joining unions or politics, among other disciplinary matters.

Although Section 15C was abolished in 2012 by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, the law is still used to punish students involved in anti-establishment activities.

According to the explanatory notes of Harapan's manifesto, the coalition intends to abolish the UUCA and replace it with new laws to ensure quality education, academic freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of association and academic autonomy.

Harapan also promised funding for student unions.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said Harapan intends to make education more accessible by making it as affordable as possible, including improving accessibility options for disabled people.

For instance, he said university students from less privileged backgrounds ought to be given a living stipend.