Don't forget that the PAP has had 50 years to reinforce their regime while the opposition is relatively new & they can't do much if there are too few of them.
I think the majority of Sporeans were stupid to trust the old fart. He of course took advantage & started a dynasty.
Communism in Russia lasted over 70 years. The party had all their tentacles in every corner of society. It could still come to an end quite suddenly. You only have support as long as people can find jobs and make a decent living safely. Once growing numbers find this out of their reach while the rich get richer while there are conspicuous displays of wealth, there is going to be trouble. The PAP ways were tolerated but never liked. However, individuals in the party did achieve some respect and popularity like LKY in his day, OTC, Dhana and so on. Imagine if you threw a party and had to incentivize people to come. That's what happens at PAP rallies and events. It means you have no real friends. In contrast WP rallies overflow and people buy umbrellas and knicks knacks to support the party. It's hard to be friends with someone whose ideology in life is meritocracy, self-reliance and onward GDP. Where's the heart and soul? The PAP has said that they need to communicate better. I am sure that is right. But not quite enough. In fact baring your mechanical heart is only going to creep people out. Pretty much what has been happening of late.
Say what you like about LKY, in the 60s -80s, he could energize people. You made time for his ND rally speeches on tv and you were riveted for 2 hours or more. This is why LHL says we could do with another LKY. He means an LKY of the 60s and 70s. His job would be so much easier.