Opposition figures put their reputations (if any) in the firing line by openly supporting a clown and all got burnt in the end.
Biggest one was none other than TCB. Was hoping TCb can show the way by endorsing NKS in a subtle way or stay quiet but he came out to throw his support openly for TKL.
PAP hardcore here shouldn't gloat too much. If anything goes by, a vote for Tharman is essentially a vote for the man not PAP. If useless Halimah and GG were to contest, highly doubt she can get 70%.
Voters other than opposition hardcore and pap hardcore choose based on personalities and not along partisan line.