Remove washer in sink drain opening or leave it?

[Opux]

I removed a bathroom sink pop-up flange and there is a plastic-looking white ring (washer?) in the drain opening of a cultured marble sink. The new pop-up doesn't have that piece. Is that something included with sinks sold over 20 years ago? It is stuck and I was told by a non-plumber to heat it with a hair dryer to remove it, but I don't want to crack the sink.

 

[Terry]

I have never seen that. You might want to leave it then and see how that works.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Opux]

Thank you. Appreciate your answer.