Because 58 years ago, Singapore is a island of uneducated sheep. They just shout a few "Merdeka" & they got the votes
We also dont deny Old Guards contribution, they really are a group of young ambition educated person who step up & serve.
Fast forward ... 2G, 3G, 4G leadership, we all know now it just about money serving the country, naturally the focus is on the golden pot, National Reserves.