Mikuni BS34 needle plug/holder removal

I'm installing a jet kit on my Kawasaki GT750, but im a bit unsure how to get to the needle. Specificly how to remove the plug holding it down. The white thing with four holes on the picture.
My best bet is to use a set of long noosed needle pliers and pull it out, but is seems like it needs alot of pull, its pretty stuck down there. Is there any other way?

Press the needle from below. The white plastic disk is to hold the needle down and acts as a base for the spring.

Put the needle tip on a piece of wood or plastic and press the slide down so that the needle just comes upwards and you should be good to go.