There was a factory option where the ash tray was done away with and the switches for heated seats were installed....
The console on my 98 has been out several times over the years...
Most recently for removing the shifter on my manual transmission when I replaced the clutch, but I cannot remember whether there are retaining clips or just plastic tabs holding the ash tray in place....
Just looked in the 1998 FSM and there is no reference as to how it is attached....
I have seen that location used for ARB switches several times before.... so its not very difficult to remove...