1. a. The provisions of any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, commencing on the effective date of P.L.1981, c.394, all municipal clerks shall hold office by virtue of appointment pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S. 40A:9-133, except as otherwise provided in this section.
b. All municipal clerks holding office on the effective date of P.L.1981, c.394 shall continue in office until their successors are appointed in the manner provided by N.J.S. 40A:9-133.
c. Nothing contained in P.L.1981, c.394 or in any other statute shall prevent any municipal clerk who, upon the effective date of P.L.1981, c.394, holds office by virtue of election thereto, from acquiring tenure upon being appointed thereto after the effective date of P.L.1981, c.394, if the clerk otherwise qualifies for tenure pursuant to N.J.S.40A:9-134.